Deep Influence: Unseen Practices that will Revolutionize your Leadership

by T.J. Addington

Too much attention is paid to leadership techniques and far too little to the kind of heart and mind from which the best leadership emanates. The path to truly influential leadership is found in the discipline of practices hidden from the public eye that deeply inform our public leadership. Our convictions, our call, our understanding of ourselves and heart commitments are where it all begins. Character, courage, wisdom, integrity, humility, spiritual depth, endurance, perseverance, kindness, and vision all come from a place deep inside our hearts and souls―the hidden interior and recesses of our lives, whose channels lead to deep veins of God’s work and molding.

Genres: Leadership

Unknown Binding

First published December 18, 2014

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most helpful and enjoyable book I've read on leadership yet. A good book for self-reflection that focuses on the essentials with practical applications.

[Autumn Kotsiuba · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's good. I sometimes get the feeling that if you've read one leadership book, you've sort of read them all. And to be fair, most of this book contains things I've heard before. But it's good to have a refresher. I think I enjoyed it mostly because Addington is an introverted leader; it's nice to read a leadership book that doesn't focus on charisma and charm.

[Ethan Paz · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.J. Addington's 255-page book explains how what goes on inside a person makes that individual's "deep influence" more effective. There are twelve chapters in this book, but be warned: this book is not written to be read quickly! This book was designed to help readers to be introspective about their leadership abilities, to conduct self-evaluation in how to be more effective as a leader, and to change as a result of self-analysis. Each chapter provides further insight into what makes a good leader effective. However, what makes this book stand out from other Christian leadership books I have read is the way it is worded throughout each chapter. For instance, here are some memorable quotes that I read,

"Great leadership starts with who we are and then extends to what we do" (p. 6).

"In this ministry world we often put up vague reports of progress without pressing into the specifics of what is really happening and how substantial the gains truly are. In addition, we often settle for far less than we could accomplish with honesty scrutiny of the strategy opportunity, and what could be, compared to what is" (p. 190).

"Arrogance is the by-product of unaccountability and isolation" (p. 249).

Personal experience has helped me enjoy Addington's work. Much of what has been said in this book is words to live by for every leader.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you truly want to influence those around you? If so, this is a great book to read and consider. Much of what he wrote is not rocket science, but it is counter-cultural in a lot of ways. He advocates knowing yourself, slowing down, giving yourself space to think deeply, not accepting surface answers and much more that requires immense work but also provides the foundation necessary to be one that affects many for the Kingdom of God.

[Casey Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing isn't the best and I don't agree with every point he makes, but there is a lot of wisdom in this book. I'm glad I read it and worked through it with other leaders.

[Mike E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been challenged and helped by this book. The author's perspective on leadership is that humility or service to Christ and others is THE foundation. He emphasizes character over skill sets; faithfulness over performance . . yet he is not soft on performance or success. The chapters on suffering & self-awareness (what the author calls "Emotional Intelligence" are five-star chapters. I am thankful for his humility, frankness, and uncommon level off candidness throughout the book

QUOTES:
The core disciplines of leadership relate less to what we do (important as that is) and more to who we are , which informs what we do.

The typical out- of- control schedules that characterize many leaders’ lives are not congruent with becoming leaders of deep influence. Nor are these kinds of schedules necessary.
The question is how we will allocate our time and priorities for long- term leadership success, over against short- term leadership wins.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand ourselves, to know what drives us, to accurately understand how we are perceived by others, to understand how we relate to others, and to control our emotions in healthy ways.

Much life dissatisfaction, restlessness, and frustration come from not being in the right spot!
Moses was a leader for the Exodus, Joshua for taking the land, David for unifying Israel.

I define a high- impact team as “a group of missionally aligned and healthy individuals working strategically together under good leadership toward common objectives, with accountability for results.”

The very fact that we cannot define or measure success indicates that it is not high on our priority list. We would rather hope and assume that we are doing well than to actually measure and look reality in the face.

Those who focus on fewer, more important things see the greatest results.

Since there will not be a perfect me till I see Jesus, I don’t have to pretend that there is a perfect me now.

We cannot influence others from a pedestal;

While these can be valuable pieces of the equation, the reality is that the most powerful growth and transformation is life- on- life, rather than primarily classroom. That is why Jesus lived with twelve disciples, dialogued with them, did ministry with them, and even sent them on their own for special ministry.

Success is faithfully living at the intersection of God’s gifting and His calling on our lives, wherever that should be.

Success breeds arrogance, unless we continue to intentionally cultivate authentic relationships with other Christ- followers who can challenge our thinking, hold us accountable, and keep us humble.

[Brian Sooy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, transformational book for leaders. While written to ministry professionals, every individual who seeks to be a leader of influence should seek to understand the principles and perspective offered. You won't be disappointed.