Dying to Lead

If you read the word 'leadership' in the title and groaned, 'not another book on leadership,' reconsider. This is not your typical 'how to do leadership' book. McKenna, professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Seattle Pacific University, states his goal in writing the book: to challenge the leader (and here he includes business, church, community and parenting) to courageously answer the questions of why. He also states his intention to fail in certain areas, to fail to be another 'how to' book and to give the reader God's particular direction. Instead he challenges the reader to consider the areas in leadership in which we get in our own way, the internal things that cause us to lead on your own terms and agenda. McKenna believes it takes courage to answer the question of why we lead. The honest answer may raise personal "insecurities that cause us to project something we are not." It is likely that the real answer will not be the first one that comes to mind. With successful leadership comes the possibility of having more to protect and therefore more to lose. It is this risk of distraction that can draw us away from our true calling. Dying to lead basically means daily considering the selfish aspects of who we are that need to die (or in spiritual terms, be laid at the cross) before we can lead authentically and honestly before God. From the question of why do we lead, the author tackles the many questions of identity, perspective and action. Are outcomes the primary motivation for the leader? What does sacrificial leadership look like? Why does God choose leaders that we may not? What about control and choice? Can a leader be vulnerable? Can a reluctant leader be a leader? What competencies will never find there way into a help wanted ad? The book concludes with a list of twenty-three characteristics of sacrificial leadership for the reader and a peer to review together. For a relatively slim book, the material covered is broad. It will leave you thinking long after you have finished reading. The organization of Dying to Lead is adaptable for solitary meditation or for group discussion. Each short chapter begins with a brief light hearted comment or dialogue about the focus of the chapter followed by a short Scripture passage and then text. Each ends with questions for reflection, ideas to put into practice and possible journaling questions that will take longer thought. This book is an excellent resource for pastors and pastoral teams, church boards, Christians in the marketplace and other small groups. If you want to receive the full benefit of the author's ideas, this is not a book to skim through or read in one sitting. If you want to be challenged and changed, take your time. (review also published in the Free Methodist Historical Society Newsletter)

Excellent book that will challenge any leader who wants to be effective and relevant in the world today. The book challenged me to look at my motivations and equipped me to lead others. The shorter chapters kept my attention and didn't over work the issue. Don't pass this book up.

My initial motivation for reading this book was because I work with Dr. Rob McKenna, but after reading it I have since recommended it to all of my college and young adult age friends because of the profound impact it has had on me. Although I do not see myself as a leader, the book challenged me to look into WHO I am and reflect on my past experiences in relation to how I work and relate to others; and furthermore be intentional about the leader I want to BECOME. Through reading this book I realized not only the impact I have on others, but also the significant impact leaders have had on me, realizing that the majority of leaders in my life have been negative and being challenged to learn from those experiences. In Dying to Lead, Dr. McKenna is vulnerable, honest, and encouraging, while providing insight into his own leadership journey and positively challenging the reader along the way.

This book was more of an affirmation, than a challenge. It's easy to read and easier to be inspired by the principles that lie within the covers. The text draws attention to eternal motivation and the benefits of sincerely caring for those who we lead. Sound scripture support and novel points of view connect the spiritual to the menial tasks of leading. This would make a great gift for a new leader, struggling with focus. Robin Henrickson, Community of Christ Mission Center President, Chicago

Rob McKenna writes a strong book here -- I found the text intelligently written and easy to understand. Leaders of all backgrounds will find wonderful nuggets of wisdom and knowledge in this text. I sincerely recommend it for those on a journey through the mire of leadership, and will find Dr. McKenna's voice on leadership not only comforting, but also charismatic. Dr. McKenna is a broad thinker, and his commentaries on leadership reflect his vision, and more importantly how such vision can be applied within organizational settings. -Dr. William Marelich, Associate Professor of Psychology, CSU Fullerton