The Bible on Leadership

Overview

John the Baptist on communication skills.

Queen Esther on political know-how.

Great leaders from the Bible have powerful lessons to teach today's business leaders."

Consider David's courage and innovation in slaying Goliath with just a stone and a sling; Moses' outstanding ""succession planning"" in picking Joshua; Joseph and the political skills that brought him to the seat of power; and of course, Jesus' compassion, communication skills, and vision that launched Christianity (a long-term success by any measure).

These are leaders among leaders. Their achievements -- and their inspired methods of achievement -- offer a wholly different perspective on business leadership. For the dozens of Biblical stories presented, the book provides:

* A concise retelling of each story

* One (or more) leadership lessons suggested by each story

* Examples of contemporary business leaders who exhibit some of the inspired traits of these ancient leaders, including: Fred Smith of FedEx, Howard Shultz of Starbucks, Tom Chappell of Tom's of Maine (a "toothpaste with a mission?), Roy Vagelos of Merck, and many more.

The chapters cover these universal topics: Courage * Purpose * Communication * Honesty and Integrity * Power and Influence * Performance Management * Team Building * Humility * Compassion * Justice * Encouragement and Consequences * Wisdom * Creating the Future

Each topic concludes with a list of key points to keep in mind as readers continue on their own leadership journeys."

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Table of Contents

Samuel, Paul, and Isaiah are among many Biblical leaders demonstrating this quality. James Burke, Warren Buffett, and Herb Kelleher offer business models.

2. Purpose

Biblical heros include Moses, who led his people to the Promised Land, Hezekiah, and Queen Esther. Among business leaders are Steve Jobs, Fred Smith, and Anita Roddick.

3. Kindness and Compassion

Jesus, who gave us the ""Golden Rule,"" as well as David, the Good Samaritan, and others are Biblical models. Admirable business leaders include Howard Schultz, Aaron Feuerstein, and Roy Vagelos.

4. Humility

Peter, who said ""I am only a man myself,"" the long-suffering Job, and others exemplify this trait. Modern businessmen include Larry Bossidy, Ray Gilmartin, and Charles Pollard.

5. Communication

Joshua (with his horn as well as his words), Ezra, and Luke were great communicators. In the world of business, there are Andy Grove, Sam Walton, and Mary Kay Ash.

6. Performance Management

Noah, Solomon, and Jeremiah were masters of encouragement and discipline. Lou Gerstner, Gordon Bethune, and Jack Stack are among the business leaders known for being firm but fair.

7. Team Development

Biblical leaders didn't use the term ""team,"" but Nehemiah was one of many who understood the power of working in groups. Modern exemplars include Hal Rosenbluth, Michael Eisner, and Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson.

8. Courage

Perhaps the most striking characteristic of Biblical leaders, with Daniel and Nathan two of many who overcame fear to embrace risk for a greater good. Among leaders of our time are Rudolph Giuliani, Steve Case, and Peter Braebeck.

9. Justice and Fairness

James and Joseph were great believers in giving others their ""fair share."" In the business context, leaders like Walter Haas, Jr., Max de Pree, and Henry Schacht have exhibited this characteristic.

10. Leadership Development

The greatest leaders--Jesus and Moses in Biblical times, Jack Welch and Roger Enrico in modern times--ensured that their ""organizations"" would thrive long after them by their commitment to developing leaders who would renew and carry on their mission."

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