The Ascent of a Leader: How Ordinary Relationships Develop Extraordinary Character and Influence [Hardcover]

Bill Thrall (Author), Bruce McNicol (Author), Ken McElrath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 1999

A Leadership Network Publication



Become the leader people are proud to follow by opening yourself to the influences that develop character: Anduring relationships with friAnds, family, and God.Solidly based on Christian values, this practical, visionary, and hope-filled book guides readers through a step-by-step process for developing both personal character and the network of important relationships that enable character to win out, even in the face of setbacks, adversity, and temptations to take short cuts. Leadership is about character, the authors assert, and character weaves values like integrity, honesty, and selfless service into the fabric of our lives, organizations, and cultures.

The Ascent of a Leader is written for ordinary people-mothers, husbands, bosses, secretaries, pastors, teachers, and students-who want to develop extraordinary character, find and follow God's plan for their lives, and lead others where they need to go. We all have innate leadership potential. To maximize it, we must do much more than develop performance-based skills, the authors assert. We must consciously choose who and what we allow to influence us, find and develop our humility, and build Anduring relationships with colleagues, family, friAnds, and God. They offer engaging real-life examples to show how we can grow into our true potential as leaders and inspire us to "make a difference in the 21st century-in our families, our communities, our companies, our government, and even our world."



With a foreword by Ken Blanchard.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Ascent of a Leader is a beautifully honest, deeply caring, and positively uplifting book. Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, and Ken McElrath show us with their compelling stories and inspiring message how magic happens when leaders of character nurture an environment filled with grace. This book embraces you, and once you've read it you won't ever forget it. In a world filled with so much cynicism and fear, this is one book that definitely will fill your heart and soul with hope and joy." —Jim Kouzes, coauthor, The Leadership Challenge and Encouraging the Heart; chairman, Tom Peters Group/Learning Systems

"The Ascent of a Leader reiterates a truth that is timeless: "No man is an island." Through well-chosen parables and real-life examples, Thrall, McNicol, and McElrath offer valuable lessons in interdependence and show us how to engender 'trust, creativity, and hope'--in ourselves and others." —Jon Kyl, U.S. Senator from Arizona

"The Ascent of a Leader fits in the fine lineage of Greenleaf's Servant Leadership and De Pree's Leadership Is an Art. A must-read for leaders who know and leaders who wonder about a deeper foundation and a higher pinnacle. Transcendent, transparent,and authentic." —Daryl C. F. Wilson, general manager manufacturing, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc.

"Most leaders are familiar with and thrive on challenges and risks. The Ascent of a Leader deals with the greatest risks any of us can face: humility, transparency, and sacrifice. This book will challenge you in unique ways and help you view your calling with a new perspective." —Jack Alexander, CEO, WorldTravel Partners

"Leadership is all about relationships. This book is a must-read for those who want to lead in relationship building." —C. William Pollard, chairman, The ServiceMaster Company

"This inspiring book is essential reading for those who seek to earn the respect of the emerging generation who hunger for leaders whose personal and professional lives are centered on character and dignity." —Dick Capen, former U.S. ambassador to Spain, chairman and publisher of The Miami Herald

"Climbing the ladder of success is a driving passion for many in today's corporate America, but too often character is compromised on the way up. The Ascent of a Leader helped me think through both motives and means to true success." —John Beckett, president, R. W. Beckett Corporation; author, Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul

"The Ascent of a Leader powerfully cuts through all areas of life. I am confident these principles will profoundly enrich the leader's marriage, family, social, and corporate relationships." —Mike Singletary, NFL Hall of Fame

"The leadership journey that The Ascent of a Leader describes so well is truly an extraordinary experience, although not for the faint of heart. If we stay with the journey as the authors advise though, it takes us beyond our own minds and imaginations and leaves us astounded by grace. I would recommend this book for any leaders who are sincerely attracted to the challenge of letting God take them to places they've never been before." —Janet Hagberg, director, Silent Witness National Initiative; author, Real Power and The Critical Journey

"This powerful and inspiring book points to vital steps that can help readers move from selfishness to selflessness, from self-sufficiency to God-sufficiency. True leaders are spawned, the authors write, by small groups of faithful people in which participants can be healed and restored, and broken loose from human bondage to do the real work of the world." —George Gallup Jr., chairman, Gallup International Institute

"The Ascent of a Leader represents a ground-breaking blend of the technical and character aspects of leadership." —Bill Hybels, chairman, The Willow Creek Association

"Fresh, introspective, noble—this book contrasts the conventional leadership climb to sacred truth, mature living, and selfless achievement. The authors deftly describe what it means to lead by example and answer one of life's great questions, 'Why do people follow?'" —William Boyajian, president, Gemological Institute of America

"No matter what your leadership style, The Ascent of a Leader will make you reassess it. I hope that future leaders will adopt the important creative suggestions and insights in this book. A must-read for us all." —Wallace R. Hawley, founder, InterWest Partners; vice chairman, Center for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University

"A fascinating journey about personal relationships and the importance of character, integrity, and faith, which prepares one to step up the ladder in leadership." —Jerry Colangelo, president and chief executive officer, Phoenix Suns; managing general partner, Arizona Diamondbacks

"This outstanding book of principles provides leaders with unusual how-to's and practical steps for developing character. The Ascent of a Leader is a remarkable look at how young leaders learn to serve others and how older leaders learn to reach their destiny." —Matthew Parker, president, Institute for Black Family Development

"Today we see so many visible and disappointing examples of fallen and falling leaders ... in business, in government, in sports, even in religion. The Ascent of a Leader provides important insights into the critical importance of character development (rather than just skill development) in helping you fulfill your potential as a positive leader." —Dale Gifford, chief executive officer, Hewitt Associates

"A must-read for those wanting to make a difference in their businesses, communities, and families. A perfect blend of wisdom, compassion, and practical experience!" —Jay Abraham, director of sports, Franklin Covey

"This book is a profound and unique answer to the questions of our tumultuous society ... uncompromising character development produces profound influence and leadership ability." —Naomi Rhode, past president, National Speakers Association and '97 Cavett Winner

"This profound and timely book teaches us how to live well and to lead wisely. The Ascent of a Leader creatively shows us how to center our lives in unchanging principles that produce an enduring influence in all our relationships." —John R. Castle Jr., executive vice president (retired), EDS

"No topic is more timely for our culture than to learn how character and influence develop in relationships over a lifetime. The Ascent of a Leader shows us how to lay hold of it." —Larry Crabb, best-selling author, psychologist, distinguished scholar in residence

"A fresh-revolutionary-look at leadership. This book will not just change your leadership style, it will change you and the lives you touch." —Daniel Dominguez, CPA/partner, BDO Seidman, LLP

"Due to the current lack of spiritual leadership in our country, the message in these pages is deeply needed at this time across our land. It clearly promotes a principle-based pathway of leadership that fosters hope, trust, reconciliation, and character." —John M. Perkins, founder, John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation and Development

"The Ascent of a Leader is truly a 'holy' book for anyone on the leadership path. As a young leader of a family business, this book provided a roadmap (or ladder!) for me on how to lead from values and integrity." —Louise Slater, chairman of the board Consolidated Systems, Inc.

"Having spent several years on the staff at West Point contemplating the development of leaders of character, I find in The Ascent of a Leader a powerfully insightful, honest, and encouraging model for practice by leaders who genuinely seek to grow in character and in the impact for good that such leadership makes possible." —Larry Donnithorne, author, The West Point Way of Leadership: From Fostering Principled Leadership to Practicing It

"Successful leadership is a spiritual journey. In these inspiring pages, you will find a rare map for your soul, a map that can help you negotiate the thrills, risks, and lonely moments we all visit as leaders. You may also discover a yearning to share this map and journey with emerging leaders of the next generation." —Karen Brugler, manager, Health Care Consulting Practice, Ernst & Young, LLP

"This book, written from the experiences of three gifted leaders, gives practical suggestions of how one can climb the character ladder, the ladder of self discovery, each of which draws one to his or her true self." —Tom Phillips, president, International Students, Inc.

"We live at a time in history when there is a pronounced vacuum in leadership. Our need is for clear, inspiring, and above all timeless teaching on the subject of leadership. The Ascent of a Leader powerfully provides us with all these and more." —Michael Card, best-selling composer, author, teacher

"As each chapter unfolded, I found myself desiring the next. If you want to be prepared for a meaningful leadership opportunity when it arrives, then this book is for you." —Karsten Louis Solheim, executive vice president, Karsten Manufacturing Corporation

"The Ascent of a Leader addresses the two most important questions leaders-actually anyone-must answer if their lives and work are to have meaning: Who are you? And who cares? Character shapes cultures and culture nourishes character. Who you are makes a difference." —Walter C. Wright Jr., president, Regent College

"My job of training young managers for The Weather Channel during its startup would have been much easier if this resource had been available. It will also spark a renaissance for senior managers who may have forgotten how or why they climbed the ladder." —Hugh Eaton, startup business manager, The Weather Channel

"The Ascent of a Leader shows how character is a lifelong building process between God and yourself that then translates into leadership." —Karl Eller, chairman, Eller Media Company

"Superb, a must-read for everyone who would lead others with God's help by developing extraordinary character." —Robert A. Fulton, chairman a...

From the Inside Flap

Are you the kind of leader that others want to follow? Climbing the corporate, political, or organizational ladder is a driving passion for many of us. But too often during our ascent, we compromise our character to reach a performance goal, forgetting that lasting, positive influence depAnds on the kind of person we become, not simply on the titles, power, or wealth we've achieved. While many leaders work hard to develop performance-based skills, relatively few are intentional about developing character. In fact, many simply do not know how.Solidly based on spiritual values, The Ascent of a Leader presents a process for developing character and influence in the context of community amid the kind of relationships and environment where character wins out, even in the face of setbacks and against the temptations to take shortcuts. Character is crucial, the authors assert, because it "empowers our capacities while keeping them in check. It makes the difference between those who abuse power and those who steward it well. It weaves values like integrity, honesty, and selfless service into the fabric of our lives, organizations, and cultures."Written for ordinary people who want to develop extraordinary character and influence, this practical, visionary, and hope-filled book guides us up the "long ladder" to significance, as contrasted to the "short ladder" that most of us know. On the short ladder, we develop skills and abilities. But on the long ladder, success depAnds on character growth, nurtured in a community where people find fulfillment. If you want to find and follow God's plan for your life and lead others where they need to go, this book offers engaging real-life examples to show you how. You can grow into your true potential, becoming one of the leaders inspired to "make a difference in the twenty-first century in our families, our communities, our companies, our government, and even our world." It's time to create a legacy that will last. Embrace th

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (October 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787947660
• ISBN-13: 978-0787947668
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Focus on Leadership Essentials, February 25, 2000

By 

Paul Armerding (Bahrain, Arabian Gulf) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ascent of a Leader: How Ordinary Relationships Develop Extraordinary Character and Influence (Hardcover)

I have rarely been forced to look at myself as carfully as I did when reading this book. It examines fundamental issues regarding why people follow leaders, and what can happen to those leaders in the process. Above all, it differentiates between leaders who rely on their natural abilities versus those who take time to examine issues of character development. This book is on target in demonstating why some leaders end up so badly as opposed to those who grasp the character issues and deal with them. It gives hope to anyone who has stumbled on the path of good leadership as it points the way to dealing with key character issues. I believe this book is "must" reading for aspiring and experienced leaders alike, and especially recommend it to anyone struggling with their failures in leadership.

31 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Bad title and metaphor, good book, February 27, 2001

By 

"ambianggoho" (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ascent of a Leader: How Ordinary Relationships Develop Extraordinary Character and Influence (Hardcover)

This is a significant book, mainly on account of one inspiring concept - creating an environment of grace.

The main problems I had with the book stemmed from the concept of the leadership ladder or ascent, with sequential steps. The problem with that metaphor lies in traditional views of leadership. Ascent up a leadership ladder reflects the mental images we have - "rising to the top", "leading from above". It would be radical to envisage leadership from the margins - that is from a place of vulnerability, or from the center - a "lowly" position among the people.

To be a leader does not necessarily mean to be "at the top", the best, the most gifted, the most intelligent, the strongest or the fastest (see e.g. the foot of page 79 "[people] watched his rapid climb to the top with awe"). This image is inherent in the ladder metaphor.

A cyclical or circular model would be more helpful. A leader must cycle through the character and capacity dimensions of leadership development. The issues are to be re-visited continually, rather than sequentially. The cycle involves a consistent relationship with God, and awareness of and dependence on a community of grace (chapter 3, also see page 71).

The "community of grace" concept is excellent, but we have to be careful what we mean by it. It is not merely an being gracious towards each other. Currently, grace is tending to be confused with "graciousness". Of course "graciousness" should be a derivative of grace. But the context of grace must be one in which all participants live by applying the Gospel of grace in their lives, in their attitudes, actions and words.

The weakness of Chapter 7 is that "truth" is only dealt with in terms of "truth" learned from others. Where is the role of God, His Word and the Holy Spirit? See, for example, the Johari diagram on page 99 which lacks an interaction between God (and His Word), others and self.

This may be addressed by making the right hand and bottom axes refer to "Known to God" (diametrically opposite "Known to others"), with the vertical axis finishing at "Revealed to Self" (beside "Unknown to Self), and the horizontal axis pointing to "Revealed to Others" (beside "Unknown to Others).

When the authors deal with the fourth rung (ch 8), the essentiality of a submissive spirit in all areas of life is emphasized - humility, submission and obedience include paying the cost - submission to sacrifice. This must be a continuous process of character development, not merely a sequence of steps.

According to the authors, there are two starting points for regaining that perspective. They picture a "fork in the road" where one embraces and learns from failures, and thus chooses recovery, or else by default takes the path to failure. If they took the cyclical model, this would be entail re-entering the circle at the specific point of character or capacity weakness.

Theladder metaphor struck me as too static and mechanical rather than organic and dynamic, especially when dealing with the fifth rung, "destiny". This conveys an air of inevitability. The idea is of increasing "convergence" - the sharpening and focussing of best skills to an ultimate destiny in leadership. The writers did not pay enough attention to the dynamics of personal development through a growing relationship with God, in a frequently changing context under diverse influences and adverse pressures. None of us knows how long we have to live, or with what quality of life, or in what contexts, or with what unforeseen opportunities.

I accept the basic concepts for capacity and character development, but clarify grace and truth, and put them into a cyclical model, and you would have a better, more Biblically accurate book on leadership development.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One More Time--Character Enhances Leadership!, August 25, 2000

By 

George Bullard "Strategic Leadership Coach" (Columbia, SC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ascent of a Leader: How Ordinary Relationships Develop Extraordinary Character and Influence (Hardcover)

In this book, Bill, Bruce, and Ken remind us one more time of the high value we need to place on character in the personhood of our leaders. The 21st century will depend on people of genuine and authentic vision, values, and significance. The 21st century will depend on the ability of people to develop capacities and to soar with their strengths.

In the 21st century, leadership cannot be effective with people who are unbalanced either in character or capacity. In spite of our capcities, however, it is character that builds a lasting positive influence or an enduring legacy.

This book is clearly based on spiritual principles, and has many applications to congregations. Congregational leaders must have capabilites and capacities. It is just that capacities without character will be empty and dishonest. Character without capacities boost morale, but may not help congregations fulfill their mission.

Read this book because these guys have something to say and are going to be around for a long while!