Customer Reviews

Leadership RE:Vision

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In short simple thoughts, Mr. Seybert has spoken volumes on Leadership. Refreshing to see clear biblical truths interwoven into each application.

You know, I am not a big fan of leadership books. Most that I have looked at over the years offered prescribed methods, "21 Steps" or "17 Laws". These are good for some and I salute those who have found value in them, but they're just not me. This book was a quick read, which is good, because it's one that should be read over and over. With a huge dose of pragmatism and lots of simple ideas and tips that could really affect a positive change in any organization, Jim really equips leaders with actionable tools and exercises to go beyond the book.

Although it didn't take long to read LR, the book isn't through once the last page is turned. Jim will be the first to tell you that he is not an "answer guy" and I was glad that this book did not offer pat answers or sure-fire formulas, instead it served up plenty of questions - questions that lead the reader to search themselves and to seek the Lord to find out what needs to change in them in order to be who they are supposed to be, in whatever leadership role they are in.

Finally, something I appreciated most about this book is that Jim didn't eviscerate scripture in an attempt to make his point. I only found one instance where he "stretched" the meaning of a particular passage, but he was clear to point out that he was doing so. In all other instances I was amazed at the truths of scripture as they apply to this topic of leadership and our need to correct our understanding of what that term really means and the implications we can realize when we really allow God's leadership principles to realign our leadership practices. I highly recommend this book, it's one you'll want to keep handy.

Jim Seybert's new book, Leadership Re:Vision, is a breath of fresh air. Jim uses his down to earth, common sense style to take a new, focused look at leadership.

Each chapter is broken up into three sections that make it easy to digest and gives you the clear message based on scripture and the decades of leadership Jim has experienced.

It's a great read for any leader, whether you're in a business, non-profit or mission organization.

Tim Blair

This was a book I happened to pick up when I had some time to waste. I had no idea what it was about until I began to read randomly. I bought it because I suspected it might be useful, at the least, for giving me an additional perspective. It is one of the most challenging and engaging books on practical application of character in the rubber-meets-the-road daily world. Focused mainly at the business world, it is easily extended into all areas of human relationship.

Jim Seybert's Leadership ReVision provides a Christian perspective on leadership that is greatly needed by Christian nonprofits, churches, and corporate entities. While the 30 short chapters (which work well as devotional or inspirational reading) are organized around passages of scripture, the implications raised center on what it means to be a compassionate leader.

One need not be a person of faith to get benefit from this book. One only wonders what the impact would be if leaders at AIG, Bear Stearns, or any numbers of banks had taken these lessons to heart.

Seybert raises questions about compensation, power, rights, and correction. Through it all, he calls us as Leaders to recognize a paradox: While he says that it really is all about you, the lessons are about considering the impact on others. It's about you because only you as leader have the ability to adjust your style for the good of your employees and your organization.

The book is easy to read, but with lessons that remain with you. As I've read it over the past couple of months, I've regularly adjusted my style and behaviors in ways that I hope change my organization. Seybert's writing is accessible and can be as relevant to a small business as it is to the educational institution where I serve as a senior administrator.

This book was written by my old friend Jim Seybert. We worked together in the 80's and I have always admired his talent. This book is filled with excellent insight wrapped in lessons from the Bible. I admit that the subject matter and approach are not usually to my liking. However, I chose to read this because of my respect for Jim and was pleasantly surprised.
For any leader who believes that God is in charge, this is the book for you!
Jim is able to draw comparisons and seamlessly weave the wisdom of the scriptures in with advice for leading in difficult situations. He clearly understands the stresses that bombard today's struggling companies. The feelings that overwhelm the managers put in charge of those companies often get pushed aside by the gravity of greater concerns. Jim is able to address those problems with a touch of the old trade-mark humor I remember. Here is a quote I particularly enjoyed.
"Being out front, whether figuratively or literally, can be lonely. There are times when it feels as if you are driving ninety miles an hour at night but your headlights are bright enough for going only about fifty-five."

After reading this book, I admire Jim Seybert for a different set of reasons! Thanks, Jim!

It comes with the territory. After 20 or more years (my estimate) savvy leaders notice they must work increasingly harder and harder to fight off the subtle signs of leadership arrogance. Experienced leaders remain as leaders because they're good at stuff--but then they start thinking they are great at stuff. And then wham--the arrogance kicks in.

What's the antidote to arrogance? There are many (including a truth-telling spouse), but I encourage colleagues and clients to read-up-a-storm. Diligently. With books that challenge the status quo and the conventional wisdom. This book does that. (See also the "Book Bucket" chapter in Mastering The Management Buckets: 20 Critical Competencies for Leading Your Business or Non-profit.)

If you have any symptoms of attention deficit disorder, this book is made to order. I first scanned the 30 tempting chapter titles and couldn't decide where to start first. So I read Chapter 29, "Soar on Your Own Wings," then jumped back to Chapter 1, "Don't Waste God's Time," then to #27, "It's Not Your Stuff Anyway," and as I began to rate each five-page leadership lesson, I gave five stars to Chapter 4, "Time-Management Training Can be a Con Game." (How can you not read that one?)

In his con game chapter, author Jim Seybert begins when Jesus sent out 36 teams of two each. "It's clear that Jesus understood the futility of having too few people assigned to an important job. The size of the task exceeded the limits of the available workforce, and Jesus tells his followers to pray that more helpers will join them along the way. The additional bodies were not going to come by chance; the Lord of the harvest would provide them.

"We don't see Jesus urging his followers to `work smart,' nor do we see him sending them to class so they can learn how to use a Day-Timer. The world's most effective leader very distinctly encouraged his followers to beg for more help. I have a hard time imagining he would suggest such a thing were he not certain their prayers would be answered and that more people would be added to the effort."

So....when is the last time the first item on your To-Do list was to beg the God of the Universe for more help? When someone challenges your leadership premises, it's a good thing. You'll get similar wake-up calls in Seybert's chapters on "Customers Don't Always Come First," "Good Leaders Are Self-ish," "Stand in the Spotlight," "Must We All Get Along?" "Eat With the Troops," and "Play Chess Not Checkers."

The author says "your role as a leader includes the responsibility of providing for and protecting the people God has called you to lead." At your next staff meeting, ask your team members to describe a situation (at another organization) where they felt unprotected by the boss--and then a time when they felt protected. (Change the names or organizations to protect the guilty!) Plus, ask them this: If you were to write a chapter for this book--challenging the conventional wisdom on leadership--what would you title the chapter, and why?

Great guide for first time and long time managers. Has good biblical instructions, but can also be used in a generic sense if the manager is not of that persuasion. I gave one to each of my managers and they have thoroughly enjoyed the book and commented that it's a good resource.