Leadership Above the Line

This book is not just a run-of-the-mill leadership book...it is a model that has the power to truly transform leaders and teams. I had the privilege of watching the real-life application of this model transform a very negative working relationship into a very positive one. It helps people understand the core of their working/leadership style and learn to appreciate different styles that exist in their co-workers. When two people rub each other the wrong way I call them "sand paper people" and they do one of two things, either: 1) create raw, open wounds that get infected and infect the entire organization; or 2) smooth the rough edges and create a productive working environment inspite of their differences. This model helped to move people out of the first category into the second which allows the organization to become healthy and thrive. The beauty and simplicity is in the fact that the model incorporates personality and leadership ethics into one cohesive model. Leadership Above the Line is more than a must read it is a MUST DO!

When I began reading Sarah Sumner's "Leadership Above the Line," it immediately began chiseling away at my character. LATL's People Model revealed systemic reasons why I fail and why I succeed as a husband, minister, and leader. Not only did this book reveal things about my character, it provided solutions to deal with my shortcomings and ways to build on my strengths. My wife and the lay leaders whom I oversee can attest to the positive changes this book has made in my life and ministry. If you're looking for a book that will help transform your marriage, ministry, or business, this is the book. It has had amazing effects on the leaders in my ministry. One of my small group leaders, who is a manager at Lowes, shared how Sarah's book directly addressed issues he was facing at work and taught him how to handle the issues and the people behind the issues with integrity. His employees have even commented on how his recent change in his management style has made working for him easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Sarah Sumner's "Leadership Above the Line" is a must inclusion in the canon of leadership books!

Leadership Above the Line is an excellent book about interpersonal dynamics useful to anyone who wants to build better relationships - in business, ministry or basic friendship. Dr. Sarah Sumner uses her real life experiences to build the People Model layer by layer and explain it to readers through an engaging narrative. It all makes so much sense! I've already shared the book with several others.

This book makes so much sense. For anyone wishing to improve the way they interact with people, whether in business, church, social, or a family setting, this is an ingenious new way to look at how our relationships work. You would have to be on a desert isle all alone, not to be interested! It is easy to read with an engaging fictitional story in the heart of the book. Everyone can relate to the story in some way. There is a test toward the end of the book to help identify where you fit in the People Model. There is a workbook section to help an individual or a group put all these new ideas to work. The goal is to help everyone develop characteristics that are "above the line" so to speak, and stay out of the basement or "below the line" behaviors that we all wish to avoid. I think this book could help all of us become far more effective in all areas of our lives.

The field of leadership literature is full of great diagnosticians, but Dr. Sarah not only diagnoses, she prescribes a cure. Leadership Above the Line gives you instantly implementable principles for not only sharpening your leadership style, but creating communities of leaders who not only tolerate each other, but relish each other's differences. Are you a Strategist, Humanitarian, or Diplomat? You'll find yourself quickly in this book, and know just as quickly what you should do about it.