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Leadership: Influence that inspires
Leadership is not optional; it is essential. It is the one ingredient essential for the success of any organization. Take away leadership and it isn't long before confusion replaces vision.
- GenresChristian
72 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1985
28 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Swindoll
966 books838 followersCharles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 11, 2025
Picked up this book wanting a short read, not expecting much out of it and was pleasantly surprised. Swindoll calls us to lead relationally, compassionately, and with empathy. Last couple chapters are gold.
August 8, 2017
This is a 72 page, little bigger than pocket size book which I borrowed from a good friend to read. The small size of the book, less # of pages, hard-bound cover, properly spaced font, and golden gilded edges were all reasons, enticing enough for me to pick this up to read - for I knew, I will for sure finish it in one sitting. To add to all the enticing factors the book is titled “Leadership”. It took little more than an hour to read this book, and I got three “Aha” moments while reading it.
The first one was when Charles defines Leadership in two words “Inspiring Influence”. While he does go on to expand it as the book progresses but these two words to a great extent summed up what leadership is, at least to me.
As the book progresses author continues to describe what not to include for effective leadership, and what to include. While I am not a big fan of talking about what “not” (I am a secret philosophy fan you see :)), the section of what not to include for effective leadership brought the second “Aha” moment - Charles explains that Greed has three facets - Greed of things, Greed of Fame and Greed of Pleasure. While some of us might say we don’t have the greed of things, but how many of us can actually say we have never experienced greed of fame? But this dear friend is one of the four things that an effective leader has to be cautious about and try not to fall prey to it.
Final “Aha” moment came when he takes an analogy of a Dad of Quarterback and how the Dad always encourages his son to “be tough”, “get that ball down the field” through a “running dialogue” even though the son can’t hear him while the game is on. He calls this as a natural tendency of the father to “exhort…encourage…implore”. Enthusiastic and re-affirming words of affirmation are hence something that leaders should use to help others to continue to believe in themselves.
The book lists the four things to be omitted from an effective leadership; and four that needs to be included. The four + four things are so amazingly simple, yet so easy to forget. This book is a great reminder - would say a very good collection to one's library of books just because of this simple reason.
Note: Although the book uses New Testament’s letter to explain leadership - the concept and definition itself is applicable across the board.
The first one was when Charles defines Leadership in two words “Inspiring Influence”. While he does go on to expand it as the book progresses but these two words to a great extent summed up what leadership is, at least to me.
As the book progresses author continues to describe what not to include for effective leadership, and what to include. While I am not a big fan of talking about what “not” (I am a secret philosophy fan you see :)), the section of what not to include for effective leadership brought the second “Aha” moment - Charles explains that Greed has three facets - Greed of things, Greed of Fame and Greed of Pleasure. While some of us might say we don’t have the greed of things, but how many of us can actually say we have never experienced greed of fame? But this dear friend is one of the four things that an effective leader has to be cautious about and try not to fall prey to it.
Final “Aha” moment came when he takes an analogy of a Dad of Quarterback and how the Dad always encourages his son to “be tough”, “get that ball down the field” through a “running dialogue” even though the son can’t hear him while the game is on. He calls this as a natural tendency of the father to “exhort…encourage…implore”. Enthusiastic and re-affirming words of affirmation are hence something that leaders should use to help others to continue to believe in themselves.
The book lists the four things to be omitted from an effective leadership; and four that needs to be included. The four + four things are so amazingly simple, yet so easy to forget. This book is a great reminder - would say a very good collection to one's library of books just because of this simple reason.
Note: Although the book uses New Testament’s letter to explain leadership - the concept and definition itself is applicable across the board.
January 7, 2022
An timeless, concise book of thought-provoking truth on qualities of a good leader. It caused me to reflect on several of my past leaders as well as my own leadership. Easy to apply also.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews