True Leadership

by Habiger Institute for Catholic Leadership, Michael J. Naughton (Preface), Jonathan Reyes (Introduction)

True Leadership outlines a leadership philosophy based upon the five building blocks of Catholic leadership. They are, in order of importance, (1) faith; (2) character; (3) vocation; (4) gifts; and (5) skills. Current leadership models usually begin with questions of skill; some include gifting; fewer attempt a limited engagement with character. True Leadership teaches a different model, namely that a leader is someone a person is, rather than simply something a person does. Faith and character are thus the foundations upon which gifting and skills find their right place. The contents of this book were originally developed for the Leadership Interns program, of the Center for Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. The Interns program offers promising junior and senior students a comprehensive formation in Christian leadership through a uniquely Christ-centered approach that begins with the education of the heart in faith and virtue. This starting point allows students to respond to God's call by placing their gifts and skills at the service of his gospel, preparing them to exert an influence in the world that moves it toward the goodness which belongs to his kingdom.

Genres: Catholic

220 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2021

Reviews

[Geoff Ayers]

Fine.

[Rory Mitchell]

An excellent overview of Christ-centered leadership - which is, as the title suggests, the only true leadership. All leadership is oriented to good or evil, so we must form leaders that understand humanity and its destiny. Different parts of this book are great for prayer, self-examination, application to one’s own life or organization, and discussion.

When the text steps back to examine the nature and purpose of institutions, it ties together the preceding principles nicely. I highly recommend this book to anyone holding or seeking a leadership position.

[Cecilia Young]

First team book club 🫡
Now I just need to get my teammates on Goodreads

[Victor Fenik]

Concise, applicable, and relatable. Highly recommend

[Chris Bonderer]

It’s between 4 and 5 stars, but the deciding factor for me was that I truly believe that everyone should read this book. A captivating dive into the mind and heart of what it means to be a leader and human. Written conversationally and impactfully

[Joseph Heaney]

There’s a version of this book that’s 100 pages less that I enjoy

It’s not for me. There’s good stuff in here with a lot of mumbo jumbo. You’d probably like it if you’re into leadership books and things of that nature.

[Noah Larson]

This book truly inspired me and displayed so much of the characteristics and importance of true and good Christian leadership. Whether people feel as though they are called to lead others in their lives or not, this book is a must-read. I also must express a bit of bias because my uncle wrote it, but I thought it was great!

[Michal Anne Gillig]

A good book that takes all the business lingo out and replaced with the practicals of serving God. I enjoyed the section on vocations the most. Our leadership flows from our divine intimacy and putting on the mind of Christ.

[Danna]

Great points & very readable. I always feel like leadership books tell you in a book what they could tell you in a pamphlet, but maybe that’s just me

[Meghan Durkee]

Incredible! I read it to incorporate into my class and it was terrific!

[Peter Laubenthal]

Good

[Ruth]

I was really appreciating this book as it was unique about leadership. Then chapter 4 happened. I have never been so disappointed in a book in my life. page 47-48 the author is using pregnancy as suffering to speak to hope: "The slender shape she has spent so much energy preserving has become thick and puffy; her emotions are playing tricks on her; . . . she feels the pain of the baby kicking." Could the author be any more victorian? And the writer contiues in the next paragraph implying that pregnancy is an affliction rather than a normal life process. I have been pregnant 4 times. My children are adults (I am generation X). I can honestly say I never worried about my "slender body" because my husband always loved and accepted me as I was. My emotions, while at times amplified due to hormones, never played tricks on me-they were valid. And as far as I know a kicking baby never hurt a woman, at least not me or my friends who were pregnant at the same time as me. In fact, the kicking was a joyous sign of life!!. Authors should not write about what they know not of! The author of this book lost all credibility with me. This is from a practicing Catholic working in a Catholic Institution. As I am reading this book for work, I will PERSEVERE in my SUFFERING of reading it, HOPING for better and more valid examples of what the author is trying to illustrate. I will likely skim from now on SO MY EMOTIONS DON'T PLAY TRICKS ON ME. Infuriating to say the least.