The Character of Leadership: Nine Qualities that Define Great Leaders

by Jeff Iorg

Book Overview

Seminary president Jeff Iorg believes that character, and character development, are essential foundations for effective leaders. In The Character of Leadership, he writes about how God ever shapes... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805445323
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: B&H Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.0" x 0.6" x 4.5"

Customer Reviews

I Was the Problem

"In my twenties, I was determined to change the world," writes Jeff Iorg. "In my thirties, I tried to reform the church. In my early forties, I discovered I was the problem. That was a most difficult day." So begins Iorg's very transparent first chapter. As pastor, denominational leader and now seminary president, Iorg understands the trenches. He also understands the God of the trenches. He confesses to the sin of "coasting." "For me, my pastorate had become like swimming laps. I was stroking along, doing well, staying in shape, keeping things moving, and making steady progress." But then: "answering God's call to this new position was like being tossed overboard into the ocean. No more gliding along! Once again, I would be swimming for my spiritual life." What's so unique about this book on character qualities? "God wants you to work hard and to study how to improve your skills so you work more effectively. Other books, other very important books, will help you do that. Most schools, seminaries and seminars focus on these skills. Many of them are helpful. But this book is not about how to do leadership. It is about how to be a leader." So...after setting the spiritual foundation in chapter one (worth-the-price-of-the-book), he zeroes in on his Top-9 list of character qualities that define great leaders. It's the perfect book for a silent day-of-prayer retreat or a 10-week group study with emerging leaders and managers. I love the fact that his nine character qualities are preceded by verbs. It's all about being--and involves action. Here's the list: Maintaining Integrity, Finding Security, Maintaining Purity, Learning Humility, Developing Servanthood. Gaining Wisdom, Practicing Discipline, Showing Courage and Sustaining Passion. "Showing Courage" is one of the author's Top-9 character qualities that define great leaders. He says that "showing courage begins with confronting immobilizing fear." Iorg reminds us that the Bible lists more than 600 references related to fear. All of the Bible's "spiritual hall of fame" leaders had something in common: they were afraid of something. What do you fear? Because humility is one of the nine, the author (not surprisingly) does not suggest that his Top-9 list is the final word on character. What leadership character qualities would make your Top-9 list?

Subtle shifts of focus.

I found Dr. Iorg's approach to be refreshing. He addresses key components of successful leadership by examining the need to develop our internal core values, without ignoring the need of external training. I found his use of subtle shifts in focus extremely practical, soundly biblical, and sometimes humbling. A personal favorite was Dr. Iorg's discussion of facing unpleasant circumstances; being able to shift the focus from ourselves, that despairing and unfruitful "Why me?" approach, to the more teachable "Why this?' approach. One subtle little shift that will broaden our perspective from 'our' world to see our Father's Kingdom and His desire to grow us to be like Christ. A simple and practical way to not just persevere in tough times, but even anticipate relational and character development as we allow our Father's purpose in those unpleasant circumstances to take root in our lives. This teaching is a very good read and is a valuable addition to any leader's library.

What a Book! Simple Yet Profound!

I must have said to myself a dozen times in reading The Character of Leadership this is so simple yet profound. About the second chapter I quit thinking about how this applied to others and how it applied to me as a Christian leader. There were many places I was convicted and challenged in my own personal Christian walk, BUT NEVER felt defeated. Dr. Iorg motivated me to strive to be a better Christian leader as I continuously examined my life and continue to examine my life. I read the book two times and will pick it up often as I strive to implement the nine qualities Dr. Iorg refers to in the book. A must read. Jay McSwain

Not Your Typical "Leadership" Book

So many "leadership" books basically say the same thing, just with a little "twist" for flavor. This is not one of them. Iorg speaks about the character that forms our values that shapes our leadership style. It doesn't matter how many leadership books you read, or how many leadership principles you attempt to practice, if your character is bent on selfish, self-centered intents, your leadership is destined to fail. If you want to see your leadership traits "reshaped" based on the true essentials of godly character, this is a book you must read!

Every Christian leader...

Every Christian leader needs this book! Wow! I read it in one sitting--just couldn't put it down. Although Dr. Iorg is definitely an academian, this is much more than just an intellectual thesis. It's power-packed with ministry-enhancing challenges for anyone in Christian leadership. I particularly enjoyed Dr. Iorg's personal illustrations and very practical suggestions for character-building. Buy this one for every Christian leader you love.