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28 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Leadership Challenges are not Linear, September 22, 2008
This review is from: Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-Linear Leadership (Hardcover)
The thesis of the book is that leading tends not to be linear; it tends to be exponential. The more you pull the rubber band the greater resistance. (I found the analogy particularly interesting since I have recently added using Therabands to my workout schedule. They are very lightweight, portable and can be used almost anywhere. I probably wouldn't need weights in my office if I had learned to use bands when I first starting working out.)
One of the quotes from the book that I liked was, "Great leaders know the value of doing the right things and that includes valuing the contribution of all of the players". I think one area where I have not done as well is telling people I appreciate their contribution. Fortunately I am a life-long learner so I can always change. For me it might even tie in with my own celebration. I tend not to celebrate my own wins as much as I could.
Another quote was, "Much of the frustration that leaders face comes from trying to solve what needs to be managed and trying to manage what needs to be solved. Being able to distinguish which areas need clarity and which areas will be ongoing tensions is a necessary skill." That paragraph was a real truism for me. So many of the things that we are involved in are not solved, they are simply somewhere along a continuum.
I found the book to be interesting, challenging, and thought provoking and would recommend it as a good read.
Only caveat, because Nancy has worked extensively with the church many of her examples have religious overtones that might put some people off.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved this book!, October 15, 2008
This review is from: Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-Linear Leadership (Hardcover)
I loved this book! Nancy Ortberg's new book tells truths about leadership that we don't always hear. Truths that are both encouraging and challenging. Such as:
"the core of leadership is hope" - ways to create that culture;
"stop being surprised leadership is hard" - expect it;
"the leader ought to be the most transformed person in the organization";
"great teams need spirited, unfiltered debate" - handling and even encouraging conflict; and
"leaders bear the burden so that hope has free reign".
After reading this book, I want to be a better leader, and I have stories and insights that resonate to help me on that path. Nancy Ortberg's voice is unique - this is not your typical leadership book - and her "non-linear style" so appealing. I was both encouraged by the stories she shared about her own missteps, and challenged by her high view of leadership. After reading Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands, I want to provide a culture of hope for those I lead.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Leadership From a Chirstian Perspective, November 25, 2009
This is a well written book, but this is one clearly aimed at a religious readership.
Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but the fact isn't all that clear in the book description or other reviews.
I imagine that the target audience will find it highly motivating and inciteful, but many other sectors of society will immediately be turned off by the approach. I did read or skim all the book, as the general concept interests me, but the approach means that people like me aren't really the target audience.
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