Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations: Creating Contexts Where People Flourish

by Justin A Irving

The devastating effects of toxic work environments are top news. Everyone seems to understand that healthy organizations nurture flourishing individuals and societies--flourishing that Jesus desires for all of us. How can Christian business and ministry leaders create a positive organizational culture and identity?

Justin Irving has spent twenty years studying, teaching, and reflecting on organizational leadership. Drawing wisdom from the Bible, contemporary leadership theory, and the insights of over two hundred executive leaders, Irving provides a theological framework that makes human flourishing the driving motivation for leading organizations well. He helps readers invest in their own growth to become leaders who motivate, inspire, and nurture. But he broadens the view to help readers see how different levels of leadership--the dynamics and interdependence of teams and of the whole organization--work together. He then offers practical insights on building teams, culture, and effective communication and on navigating the storms of crisis and change.

Genres: Leadership

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2023

Reviews

[Alecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful & readable overview of healthy organizational leadership foundations from a Christian perspective — though many of these principles apply to any leader!

[Stephanie Sheaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thesis of Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations is that healthy organizational leadership requires wisdom in the face of complex challenges and swiftly changing business environments.

There are four parts: (I) Wisdom for Organizational Leaders, (II) The Leader and Thriving Organizations, (III) The Role of People and Teams Within Thriving Organizations, and (IV) Leadership Priorities for Thriving Organizations. In each part, Irving outlines how leaders can strive to serve their organizations humbly, intentionally, calmly, and confidently.

The thesis is supported through references to the Bible as the source of all wisdom as well as quotes and concepts from contemporary leaders. Irving surveyed over two hundred executive leaders (presidents, CEOs, pastors, and directors) about their insights related to mentoring flourishing individuals, creating thriving teams, and leading their organizations well - even through times of turbulence or rapid change. Quotes from these leaders are used liberally throughout the text to build credibility about the pressures and problems that executives face as well as the solutions they employ to lead well in a variety of different settings.

[Shelby J Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on organizational leadership! Practical and asks great questions that make you think.

[Sarah Hazelrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and helpful. I particularly like the input from leaders in a variety of organizations and industries!