The Heart of an Executive: Lessons on Leadership from the Life of King David

I'm not normally a big fan of Christian business books, but this one was has had a profound impact on me. It was truly effective in relating to real life management situations while not over "spiritualizing" the historical stories.I think this is a marvelous book for anyone (whether in business or not), but especially for the manager who has been criticized for being to demanding or authoritative with his staff, spouse or friends.

If you only buy one book on leadership, buy this one

If you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a high school teacher, the President or the Prime Minister, a parent, a middle executive, the owner of a small business or a section head for small band of workers, this book is for you!Richad Phillips beautifully and poingnantly highlights the true essence of leadership--leadership built not upon its own successes, but is bound up in the loyalty to, and successes of the people who make the leader who he or she is.He balances the personal qualities which distinguish a great leader with the realities of the dark side of the comforts, accolades and power accompanying leadership....dark recesses of David's heart that came to fruition in David's career: Potential self-created Goliaths in our own careers and lives ultimately crushing ourselves and those who follow.Phillip's resolve to faithfully and colorfully portrays David's outstanding model for leadership while allowing David's flaws to be examined, actually gives us two models: What we can do to become greater leaders; what we can proactively do to maintain our integrity and honor.If you seek to investigate how your own heart influences your leadership style and effectiveness, read this book.

This book gives tons and tons real usable advice from the best place in the world to get it. Well researched and written. I am buying copies to send to other leaders. A Must Read.

I've studied leadership for almost 20 years, reading countless books and articles. I rate The Heart of an Executive by Richard Phillips among the finest--and most memorable. Phillips is a masterful storyteller, sharing pivotal events and forces in the life of King David vividly and efficiently. He then brings the resulting lessons to the modern reader with such flair that the lessons stick. The writing is vibrant and compelling, so much so that while reading it on a recent flight I noticed strangers seated to my left and right were also reading it--so we read it together. I plan to put this book at the top of my students' and clients' leadership reading list. Bravo, Richard Phillips!