Customer Reviews

God Is My CEO: Following God's Principles in a Bottom-Line World

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

America is populated by a great many people who attend religious services on a regular basis. They affiliate with a congregation of people who think, believe, and worship as they do. Millions of people build their lives around their religious beliefs and principles.

Then there's business. In the world of business, profit is worshipped by corporate leaders and employees at all levels. Achieving corporate goals becomes all-consuming, with little room for bible-based principles. Biblical teachings are fine for the personal side of life, but business is business. Or is it?

The movement known as spirituality in the workplace has been gaining momentum, with supporters careful to differentiate between spirituality and religion. The human spirit is central to the corporate spirituality theme, but God and religion do seem to find their way into the picture. When people express their spirituality, their religious beliefs underlie their values and approach, even if specific teachings are not overtly expressed.

In God is My CEO, Larry Julian surveys the landscape through the stories of twenty well-respected leaders. Each of these influential people runs a business through the application of biblical principles, with great results. You'll learn from people like Bill George, CEO of Medtronic; Jerry Colangelo, owner of the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks; Al Quie, the former governor of the state of Minnesota; and Archie Dunham, Chairman and CEO of Conoco, Inc.; Horst Schulz, CEO of the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company; and Truett Cathy, founder and Chairman of Chick-Fil-A, an amazingly successful quick service restaurant chain that's always closed on Sunday.

The helpful organization of the book takes us first through an understanding of the Clash of Two Worlds. You'll learn about the relationships and conflicts between profits and principles. The ten sections that follow each includes a statement of the issue and Julian's suggestion of a solution. The rest of each section is two chapters telling the story of the biblically-based executives. The ten sections are Purpose, Success, Courage, Patience, Leadership by Example, Yielding Control, Tough Decisions, Servant Leadership, Integration, and Priorities.

Each chapter explores real-life issues with some intriguing stories that will make you think. The religious theme is, of course, prominent in this book. However, while it is ever-present, the biblical message is comfortably woven into the vignettes. You'll be surprised how fast a read this book is, as you turn page after page to follow the stories.

Roger

In his powerful book, _God Is My CEO_, Larry Julian moves the "bottom line" in business from "profit no matter what" to "profit from doing the right thing". Written from experiences in the trenches of the business world, this authoritative book contains real, personal stories from real people who have the courage to wrestle with real challenges and solve their dilemmas using their true beliefs, not the just latest fad management techniques. Julian's ability to get today's business leaders to bare their hearts and share their personal struggles allows_God Is My CEO_ to build a very credible case for tuning in and listening to the higher power that exists in all of us. The moving accounts of leadership turmoil and victory, the thought-provoking discussion questions and the immensely helpful "how-to's" found in this book make it a work that should be read and re-read by all of us who lead businesses today. I give my highest praise to _God Is My CEO_. It's the right thing to do.

For some earlier, for some later, for some never, but for a lot of business people as we cross 50 years in age, we start to get eternally minded. I saw the book title and thought, wow, I would like to read this. I would like to be sure my espoused beliefs and work life are in as much alignment as possible.

It is a fast read and easy, doesn't challenge you very much. This is what I consider optimal airplane reading.

However, it left me hungry for more. It is basically a series of short stories, but trying to be a good Christian ( or I would think Good Jew, or Good Muslim ) in business is very hard. In the way, the book disappoints, I was entertained, even touched by some of the stories and I believe stories can change behavior. However, I don't think I can honestly say I learned any more about what I can do differently or better.

Glad I read it, don't plan to keep it on my shelves

So often executives check their faith in God at the door before coming to work. Using the stories of 20 influential leaders to illustrate 10 business principles, author Larry Julian skillfully shows that it is possible to integrate your religious faith and your work practices. These men and women successfully run major organizations, and all of them credit their belief in God for their achievements. Although some of the stories are more inspiring than others, this book promises relief from the pressures of the bottom line and freedom from the stumbling blocks that impede success, both temporal and eternal. Each chapter includes thought-provoking questions you can contemplate or use as the basis of further discussions. Julian ends with a step-by-step business plan showing you how to apply all your newly processed spiritual knowledge as a practical tool. Although - given that it is dedicated to Jesus Christ - the book seems primarily directed to Christians, We suggest that any leader who is trying to make a profit, keep priorities straight and motivate employees should take a look.

This is a very nice collection of life applications from successful individuals. It is more than an "I remember when..." story book but more like several short stories showing God working in their lives.

It's always great to read stories and testimonies of companies who do the right thing. Capitalism only works if the company is built on solid foundation. Excellent read.

This book is very encouraging in a times like these when everybody wants to have their way and say. When we go back to the foundation of the word of GOD, everything works together for good. God has given us the B-asic,I-nstructions,B-efore,L-eaving,E-arth(BIBLE)to help us make sound and moral decisions.

This book is helpful and practical for business consulting with a Christian focus. It gives scenarios which can be good for discussion and is generally an easy read for everyone.

Every chapter is a success story of REAL life successful people - who HONOR GOD in their work place and the Lord causes them to prosper - it just hightlights the fact that integrity , honesty character MATTER to God and he honors that with success........in a world sinking into a cesspool of kickbacks, dishonest gain and cut throat business practices this is a refreshing look at what happens when you HONOR God in the work place and in life........A GREAT READ...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ....after reading it I ordered one to my CEO ....

I really enjoy reading it! i love how it relates to all sorts of different business people who all have one goal...to not stray from God!

I really like answaring the questions at the end of the chapters...they realy help me learn more about myself.