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The Leadership of C.S. Lewis: Ten Traits to Encourage Change and Growth
Following the leadership example of author and apologist C. S. Lewis, readers will learn how ten traits, grounded in biblical principles, can inspire people from all walks of life to affect meaningful changes in their own sphere of influence.
Author C. S. Lewis isn’t what most would consider a “leader,” but a close examination of his life and faith illustrates how Lewis became one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. How is it that a man born in the shipyards of Belfast, Northern Ireland developed into a voice of optimism during World War II? His writings, his wartime broadcasts, and his humble lifestyle made Lewis an extraordinary role model. Based on a decade of research, Crystal Hurd shows how C. S. Lewis’s dedication to the faith made him a prime example of Christian leadership.
Leadership is ultimately about influence, and everyone has the potential to inspire others. Through effective leadership, we can make a difference which will resonate throughout culture. We can be the change that society needs by influencing others through a lifestyle founded on Christian principles. The Leadership of C. S. Lewis focuses on ten traits exemplified by C. S. Lewis. Each chapter—Humility, Morals, Vision, Courage, Intellect, Compassion, Duty, Resilience, Inspiration, and Creativity—explores a trait to encourage and challenge us to embrace our leadership potential.
Lewis wrote about leaders who balance the heart and mind, who rule with integrity and honesty, and who make a difference by seeing every person as individuals with unlimited potential. Through the lens of Authentic Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Transformational Leadership, this book utilizes leadership models to illustrate how C. S. Lewis is still a Christian influence for today’s culture and how we too can make a positive impact on our world.
Author C. S. Lewis isn’t what most would consider a “leader,” but a close examination of his life and faith illustrates how Lewis became one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. How is it that a man born in the shipyards of Belfast, Northern Ireland developed into a voice of optimism during World War II? His writings, his wartime broadcasts, and his humble lifestyle made Lewis an extraordinary role model. Based on a decade of research, Crystal Hurd shows how C. S. Lewis’s dedication to the faith made him a prime example of Christian leadership.
Leadership is ultimately about influence, and everyone has the potential to inspire others. Through effective leadership, we can make a difference which will resonate throughout culture. We can be the change that society needs by influencing others through a lifestyle founded on Christian principles. The Leadership of C. S. Lewis focuses on ten traits exemplified by C. S. Lewis. Each chapter—Humility, Morals, Vision, Courage, Intellect, Compassion, Duty, Resilience, Inspiration, and Creativity—explores a trait to encourage and challenge us to embrace our leadership potential.
Lewis wrote about leaders who balance the heart and mind, who rule with integrity and honesty, and who make a difference by seeing every person as individuals with unlimited potential. Through the lens of Authentic Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Transformational Leadership, this book utilizes leadership models to illustrate how C. S. Lewis is still a Christian influence for today’s culture and how we too can make a positive impact on our world.
247 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 18, 2022
What are the character traits that make a good leader? This book explores ten important attributes that are essential for any leadership role, and demonstrates how C. S. Lewis displayed those traits through his life and his writing. Here we analyze the details of why Lewis's influence still continues to inspire countless Christians through his fiction and apologetic books.
At first I picked up this book because I was interested in learning more about C. S. Lewis, one of my favorite authors. I have read a couple of biographies and analysis of his work, but I had never seen this particular subject addressed, and I found it intriguing. But not only did I learn more about Lewis, I also found myself inspired to be a better leader and a better Christian in my own small sphere of influence. This book took me beyond what I had expected, and encouraged me to look at my life in a new way.
The ten traits included are humility, morals, vision, courage, intellect, compassion, duty, resilience, inspiration, and creativity. They are all heavily researched and the writing is very effective at proving that Lewis exhibited the ten traits that are discussed. There are examples and quotes from people who knew Lewis, and direct quotes from his books that powerfully demonstrate his leadership qualities.
The writing style does sometimes read like a school essay, but there are also some wonderful anecdotes about Lewis and even some stories from the author that give it a personal feeling. The writing is energetic and vivid, bringing a compelling quality to each chapter that captures your imagination and your heart.
I really enjoyed that there are so many good quotes in this book, not just from Lewis but also from other influential researchers and writers. There are also discussion questions at the end of each chapter, where you can consider how to apply these traits to your own life.
There are spoilers for Chronicles of Narnia, the Space Trilogy, The Great Divorce, Screwtape Letters, and Till We Have Faces. However, it is easy to skip over these portions if you don't want to be spoiled, because the paragraphs are clearly titled.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
At first I picked up this book because I was interested in learning more about C. S. Lewis, one of my favorite authors. I have read a couple of biographies and analysis of his work, but I had never seen this particular subject addressed, and I found it intriguing. But not only did I learn more about Lewis, I also found myself inspired to be a better leader and a better Christian in my own small sphere of influence. This book took me beyond what I had expected, and encouraged me to look at my life in a new way.
The ten traits included are humility, morals, vision, courage, intellect, compassion, duty, resilience, inspiration, and creativity. They are all heavily researched and the writing is very effective at proving that Lewis exhibited the ten traits that are discussed. There are examples and quotes from people who knew Lewis, and direct quotes from his books that powerfully demonstrate his leadership qualities.
The writing style does sometimes read like a school essay, but there are also some wonderful anecdotes about Lewis and even some stories from the author that give it a personal feeling. The writing is energetic and vivid, bringing a compelling quality to each chapter that captures your imagination and your heart.
I really enjoyed that there are so many good quotes in this book, not just from Lewis but also from other influential researchers and writers. There are also discussion questions at the end of each chapter, where you can consider how to apply these traits to your own life.
There are spoilers for Chronicles of Narnia, the Space Trilogy, The Great Divorce, Screwtape Letters, and Till We Have Faces. However, it is easy to skip over these portions if you don't want to be spoiled, because the paragraphs are clearly titled.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 16, 2023
If you love C.S. Lewis (or books on leadership), this is a must read. Dr. Hurd's deep knowledge, beautiful writing, and keen insights into Lewis' contributions as a leader are fascinating. Did you know C.S. Lewis was so humble that he never considered himself a leader? (With all due respect, Mr. Lewis, we beg to differ). The Leadership of C.S. Lewis: Ten Traits to Encourage Change and Growth, draws from Lewis' life and writings as well as from the writings of renowned social scientists and scholars. This book will inspire anyone who desires to lead others with integrity. Highly recommended.
June 14, 2026
A fantastic read that gives a unique glimpse into C.S Lewis. Viewing him through a leadership lenses is refreshing and enlightening. It helps to better understand him and his writing, as well as, showing us how to incorporate those same leadership traits into our own journey. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews