The Tortoise Usually Wins: Biblical Reflections on Quiet Leadership for Reluctant Leaders

by Brian Harris

he Tortoise Usually Wins is a delightful exploration of the theory of quiet leadership. Written for reluctant leaders, it interacts with three key biblical images of leadership - the leader as servant, shepherd and steward - and links them with some of the key virtues of quiet leadership - modesty,restraint, tenacity, interdependence and othercenteredness. Brian Harris is the principal of a highly regarded theological seminary and also pastors a thriving local church, so the book carries the wisdom of both professor and pastor, satisfying the reader both intellectually and practically.
These insights are supplemented by interviews with significant quiet leaders from around the world, ensuring a rich feast for prospective and current reluctant leaders. 'Books on leadership are today two a penny. Just occasionally, however, one of these books might stand head and shoulders above most of the others, and to my delight The Tortoise Usually Wins falls into that category. Furthermore, so many books on leadership are written for natural leaders; whereas, as the author makes clear, most churches are led by "quiet leaders" who know they are not great, but nonetheless, are "tenacious and committed to the task and willing to work co-operatively with others to achieve it". I can see many church leaders benefitting from this book. I warmly commend this unusual book'. Paul Beasley-Murray, Senior Minister, Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford; Chair of Ministry Today UK

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Theology

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/30/14

[Jayden Ilett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely practical, insightful and biblical guide to leadership

[Newman Ambani]

I just wish this wasn't a friend's copy. It was so insightful that i will have to get my own copy.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leadership is often seen in terms of the charismatic hero who by sheer force of personality and outrageous vision draws people along in his or her wake. There have been many books written by, for and about these people.

This book is for the rest of us.

Most leaders are more "normal" than this. We are the quiet leaders, the people thrust forward by God, life, circumstances and the need of the hour. How do people who are introverted deal with the task of leading, guiding, enthusing others?

Brian Harris is a teacher, a principal and a pastor. In this book he shares many insights about how quiet leadership can harness the gifts of others, nurture them to achieve more than seems possible and help any organisation grow past where it is now.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will be returning to it when I need more leadership wisdom.

[Dianne Jarvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I am enjoying this book it has some really good leadership points.

[Stephen Boutry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best leadership books I have ever read.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me state that is was a pleasant surprise to realise that the Author of this book is a fellow Western Australian. I must admit most Leadership books, especially on Christian Leadership, have been American and I often find that the cultural differences do cause problems. So, for me at least, that wasn't a problem. I would also acknowledge that the Author is Baptist (whereas I am Lutheran) and that does give us some different views on Church government and leadership.

Overall, I think this is an excellent book on leadership that is easily accessible to anyone in leadership. Though aimed more at Christian Leaders, it does include Leadership in Business (including community-based organisation) that has application to all leaders, Christian or not. Like most books of this genre, I would recommend you mine it for what is applicable in your situation.

The downside I see is that Pastoring seems to be treated just as another leadership role. Whilst I very much agree that it is a leadership role, and thus much of what the Author has to say is applicable, it is also more than that. Whilst there is a danger if we don't run our Christian Schools and Charities as good and prosperous businesses, there is also a danger of seeing Church just as another business. Jesus was often counter-cultural, and I think in Leadership within the Church, we have to make room for that. The majority can be wrong if they go against Scripture. The failed programme may not have really failed as we take into account the work of the Holy Spirit.

And that last point, is why I only give this 4/5. A book on Leadership aimed at Christians really needs to have more emphasis on the Holy Spirit.

Still when we often see bookshops overflowing with leadership books, this is a good one to get and read.