I enjoy hearing what other leaders are reading and how it is helping them in their life and leadership. I look for leaders who are constant learners. We have never master this thing called leadership.What are you reading? What are you learning?
Here are three books I’m reading this summer.
“Rising Strong” By Brené Brown – This is a great read. It has reminded me of the power of each of our stories, owning our stories and living our stories. Brené tells us, if we’re brave and courageous often enough we will fail. When we get back up we can write new endings to our stories. One of the changes this book has help me to make is to pause and recognize the story that is getting stirred in me in different moments/situations. In other words, to really notice and own the story going through my head, and then choosing what to do, with the Lord’s help, in that moment. I’m using the phrase “The story I’m telling myself is…” to catch myself and then deciding if the story in my head is the true story and asking what it looks like to have God’s courage for the next step.
“Three Cups of Tea” By Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin – I was reading this as a fun summer read, but picked up lots of life and leadership lessons along the way. Three Cups of Tea is the story of Greg Mortenson failed attempt to climb K2, but in the process the birth of a new dream to build schools, especially for girls, in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is a fascinating read of how the passion of one person can make such a difference – even across political, religious and ideological differences. Through this read I had leadership lessons on perseverance, the power of relationships, rising above politics, mis-management/leadership, and the monumental difference a dream can make in the lives of others.
“Flesh” By Hugh Halter – I haven’t finished this one yet. So far it is capturing my heart and mind with the amazing power and beauty of the incarnation. It is also a reminder of the powerful opportunity and responsibility we have as Christians, embodying Christ here and now in the beautiful ordinariness of every day. Full disclosure, I’m also reading Hugh Halter because he’s coming to Atlantic Canada in 2017. I want to understand more of his theology and praxis, particularly for how it may help us in Atlantic Canada as we join God in changing neighbourhoods.
What are you reading this summer?
What is it teaching you?
Happy reading!
-Renée @r_embree
Renée, I am going to put your three on my list, especially the last one. This Summer, I am reading, Spiritual Rhythm: Being With Jesus Every Season Of Your Soul by Mark Buchanan. I am almost finished this one and have enjoyed it. I love the way he applies seasons to our spiritual walk and how we can stay close to Jesus through each.
Your Personality and the Spiritual Life by Reginald Johnson. This one helps draw one closer to God by having a better understanding of who you are and how God has you hard wired. It helps you see how some disciplines may be more helpful to you than others, etc.
Crucial Conversations: Tools For When Stakes Are High by Patterson, Grenny, Mcmillian, Switzler. This book is about having those tough conversations, at home, church and work, that we all try to avoid. Also, It stresses the importance of walking in grace by being mindful that God talks to each team member sitting at the table. Therefore, freedom to speak must be fostered so we can make God-ordained choices. The book has more meat than I mentioned and is a very hands-on book!
I am going to keep an eye out for the books mentioned here by other leaders. You are right, Renée, as a leader I must always be learning and growing. We lead others only as far as we have led ourselves. 🙂
Blessing!
Steph Robbins