Unleader: The Surprising Qualities of a Valuable Leader

by Jane Overstreet

Unconventional leadership in uncommon times What kind of leader would you be if you were suddenly handed more power? What if you got that promotion you wanted or a headhunter called tomorrow offering you your dream job? Would your leadership be an example of servanthood and justice, or would you give in to the temptations that power always presents? In the time it took Samuel to pour oil on each of their heads, Saul and David both moved from unknown kids to kings of Israel. Their responses to that promotion had radically different outcomes. Saul made God sorry he had made him king. David brought joy to God as a man after his own heart. What about you? What would happen if God suddenly promoted you? A simple way to find out is to evaluate what your leadership looks like right now, and this book gives you the opportunity to do just that. Read about the intriguing similarities between Saul and David and the different choices they made that shaped their leadership. Then compare basic qualities of your leadership to each of theirs. You may be surprised at the qualities God values in a leader! Leadership development is a lifetime process. No matter your age or leadership experience, there is still time to grow into a leader that brings more joy to Gods heart. Take the journey. It could have some wonderful rewards.

134 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2011

Reviews

[Susan Carlz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumbs up to Jane overstreet...
Reading has not been one of my disciplines, but the book Unleader unleashed my potential and I should say it was my first school book to read and complete.
The chapters were all educative and challenging that it makes one get out of the comfort zone and go act accordingly
Chapter 4 was a wake up call for me to see whether am using up or building up the people under my leadership.
Bravo Bravo

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just another leadership book. The book crosses culture for eternal truths.

[Amy Coyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a class, but a great comparison of the leadership of Saul and David. Very practical read.

[Bob Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overstreet compares and contrasts the lives of Saul and David to illustrate the character and qualities of a Godly leader. Best chapter is 4 "Do I Use Up or Build up People Under My Leadership" b/c she talks about a righteous leader helping people to move beyond their potential. (David and the rabble who became "mighty men".) Take-aways: be more interested in the wellfare of followers than of your own; own mistakes and immediately repent of sin; find security in God's love, not in approval or winning; the end does not justify the means.

The book is not without small problems. She was slow in pointing out that Saul referred to God as "the Lord **your** God" (emphasis mine) and then only mentioned 1 of 3 instances. She also didn't point out that Saul was sorry that he disappointed Samuel and not, apparently, that he had sinned against God. But, these are also matters of interpretation and don't take away from the value of the book.

[Karl Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unleader is a simple, easy to read book that challenges leaders about some very basic but deep issues that have application and implications for leaders around the world. Jane uses what the Bible tells us about the leadership of David and Saul as a backdrop in addressing key issues that every leader needs to examine about their leadership style. I have known Jane for 24 years and work with the ministry that she leads. I can honestly say that she practices what she preaches. My ministry experience both in North America and in the Majority World tells me that this book should be read by leaders everywhere - and the issues addressed, seriously considered by every leader. Read the book, consider the implications of the truths expressed in your own life - and make the necessary changes.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book I read in preparation for work with elders. It is a study of the poor leader Saul versus the good leader (the unleader) David. Great study of scripture as it relates to leading well.

[Amethyst Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Leadership always beings pressure. Always. While leadership often looks like an attractive role from the outside, one of the painful realities is that it carries with it unexpected challenges."