While most new leadership books proudly promote themselves as the antidote to previous thinking, Leading from the Lions' Den takes pride in drawing its wisdom from ideas that have been available for a very long time in the unchanging Word of God. Here, author Tom R. Harper expounds upon one surprising principle from each of the Bible's sixty-six books. Each concept goes toward explaining human nature, which, when understood, is the foundation of business success. Among the lessons that will work for leaders regardless of culture, time, or place are: "Lead, Inspire and Motivate with Plain Facts" (Deuteronomy), "Defrag Your Organization by Discovering its Weak Forces" (1 Chronicles), "Fight Superior Force with Superior Character" (Nahum), "Purify Your PR by Avoiding the Spotlight" (Mark), "Help the Competition" (Romans), "Soak Your Shield Before Battle" (Ephesians), and "Obliterate Fear with a Single Weapon" (1 John).
I'm an avid observer of great leaders. I love to read the latest books on the topic - whether they're written for business, non-profit or church leaders. The cool thing is that the skill set for leaders is basically the same across all types of organizations.
I wrote Leading from the Lions' Den because I found that the Bible is the ultimate leadership book. It's full of theory as well as illustrations; biographies as well as first-person narratives.
At one point I thought I wanted to go into ministry. Instead, I stayed in business and ended up writing Career Crossover: Leaving the Marketplace for Ministry. I got to talk to many people who crossed over, though it didn't end up being my own path. (Sometimes I still wonder....)
So, here I am firmly and happily in the business world. I help lead a business-to-business publisher of online industry portals for banking, retail, digital signage and restaurants. I also get to publish one for church leaders, plus I'm involved in the Society for Church Consulting (yes, the church consulting market is actually quite active and growing).
I've wanted to write a book ever since I was in elementary school. I've tried doing several novels that never went anywhere. Never did I think I'd end up writing a non-fiction leadership book. But now writing on this topic is my passion.
It's often said that having written well is a pleasure but the writing itself is a pain. I've found that to be true most of the time. But once the writing bug is in your blood, it's there to stay!
Blessings on your own leadership!
Tom
Twitter: @TomRHarper
