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

256 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2023

About the author

Justin A. Irving (PhD, Regent University) is professor of ministry leadership and director of the DMin Program at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has authored numerous journal articles and has contributed to leadership books, including Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Research and Practicing Servant Leadership: Developments in Implementation.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations" by Justin A. Irving is a refreshing guide to leadership that goes beyond the usual business jargon. Irving skillfully blends his academic insights with real-world examples, making this book an engaging and practical read for leaders at all levels.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the holistic well-being of both leaders and organizations. Irving delves into the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and fostering a positive workplace culture. His writing style is approachable, making complex leadership concepts easily digestible.

The author's use of case studies adds a valuable dimension to the book, offering relatable stories that drive home the significance of healthy leadership practices. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a budding leader, you'll find actionable advice and thought-provoking ideas to implement in your organization.

Irving's passion for promoting not just success but sustainable success shines through every chapter. "Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations" is a must-read for anyone looking to lead with purpose and create a workplace that truly flourishes.

[Bob Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides lots of principles for leadership, gleaned from Irving's 20 years of teaching, his reading the key literature on leadership, and his two-question survey of over 200 leaders from churches, for-profits, and non-profits.

It is packed with these insights, serving as a one-stop shop for all the relevant literature and thought on organizational leadership.

It gets into the "WHY" of leading, and even the "WHAT," but there is not too much emphasis on particularities on "HOW" Christian leaders can implement a system by which to know if they are actually accomplishing the Why and the What. The book is so packed with the overarching principles of leadership that there is no room for particular examples, a "for instance, this company did this..." Of course, that's not what Justin Irving asked in his research. He was looking for the broader principles, which is fine and helpful.