7 Deadly Sins of Women in Leadership: Overcome Self-Defeating Behavior in Work and Ministry

by Kate Coleman, Elaine Storkey (Foreword)

Unleash your leadership by identifying and overcoming the limitations you place on yourself in the workplace.

Women are called by God to flourish in areas of leadership. And for the first time in modern history, women are making their way into strategic positions of influence and leadership within the ministry, public, corporate, charity and voluntary sectors.

Certainly, there are still external disadvantages that women leaders face in the professional world, and there's still a lot of work to do. But there are internal hinderances, too, and those you can take charge of today.

In 7 Deadly Sins of Women in Leadership, Kate Coleman considers what lies at the root of the many challenges facing today's leaders—women and men—and proposes ways of dealing with them. Effective leadership starts with you. Based on her 35 years of leadership experience, Kate explains how you

Overcome limiting self-perceptionsEstablish boundariesDevelop a tailor-made personal visionCultivate a healthy work/life rhythmStop being a people-pleaserLearn to confront not colludeBe intentional with your inner circleWritten for every leader from any sector or gender (men could learn a few things from this book too), this proven and practical guidebook will enable you to identify and overcome self-defeating patterns of behavior, in ways that will radically transform your leadership.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Womens

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jessie T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, speaking specifically into the intersection of being a woman and a leader (in ministry). The examples here are helpful for women regardless of leading in ministry or a secular workplace. There are some good nuggets of wisdom here. This is a good book for dipping into now and again too. I think it would be most beneficial to read this with others and discuss each chapter (and the Coaching Tips questions) together.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished a 9-month course of leadership, and I don't know why we didn't just read this book instead as it was so much more helpful. It covers some really interesting topics such as conflict, family/work balance, boundaries and person vision. I would definitely go back to this book if I was struggling in a certain area of leadership - full of practical advice and really relatable real-life examples. I was worried it would be overly focused upon Church leadership roles only, but that's actually quite minimal - this definitely applies to women working in all kinds of sectors of work, in lots of different types of workplaces.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, practical book with theological grounding. The writer covers key foundational areas that must be continually developed in the life of any leader. I particularly appreciated the specific examples of what each “sin” could look like as it helped me identify and call out ways in which I was living in that way and ways I could improve. Will definitely be coming back to my notes for more wisdom.

[Justin Wilkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good general principles in some places, but so much of the good is overshadowed by her strong feminist impulse for strong, independent female leadership. In many places, she seems hostile toward male leadership, though in others she argues that men and women both have purposes in leadership. Lots of bones, a little meat. The best parts were some one-liners and discussions on vision, conflict management, and boundaries between work and home.

[Helen Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this an interesting read especially as joined in a Twitter book club to read it. I couldn't agree with everything she said but there are certainly many nougats which make it worth reading. The style is easy to read and the sections make it easy to complete a chapter in a few days whilst also giving it plenty of attention.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after my job was made redundant. I realised I made mistakes in all 7 areas. Should have read this book 4 years ago! Highly recommened to all women.

[Jordan Chitwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional read for anyone in a leadership position

[Karen Wrobbel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful list of behaviors that can work against women in their work and ministry.

[Rod White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book! It is simply written, well-laid out, designed for people who want to read in bits and pieces. It is a frank discussion of what Christian women, in particular, face when they are called to lead. It is also a good book for men who lead, as well, not only because they might make room for women, but becasue the insight of women crucial for presenting the whole image of God to the world, male and female, by the church.

[Carolyn Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best read in conjunction with attending the courses Kate runs, or as a book group type activity. I found it at times incredibly challenging, especially the practical exercises and coaching tips but at the end I had much more confidence in myself as a leader.

[Linda Braeuninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful

Coleman has great insight to the strengths and weaknesses of women in leadership. She connects it all through Biblical passages in a wonderful way.