Invitation to Lead: Guidance for Emerging Asian American Leaders (Paperback)

~ (Author) "I am a leader but I was not born to lead Let me explain Dad met Mom in 1945, just hours before he left Minneapolis..." (more)
Key Phrases: pretty good leader, sovereign foundations, silent exodus, Asian American, Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.This Japanese expression characterizes the attitude of many Asian Americans.We are often taught not to put ourselves forward--not to stick out. But the Western concept of leadership is all about stepping up and standing apart from the group. Is that appropriate for Asian Americans? Or can we lead out of our own cultural strengths rather than being pressed into the Western mold? Paul Tokunaga has been a leader in Asian American, white and multiethnic contexts for many years. He has been active in ministry and in his community. In Invitation to Lead he offers, with surprising transparency, lessons from his own rich experiences--both successes and failures. Many of us aren't sure whether we can or should lead. We are waiting for someone to ask. Or we are just beginning to take on new roles and responsibilities at church, at work or in our neighborhoods.Here, at last, is our invitation to lead.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083082393X
• ISBN-13: 978-0830823932
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #561,216 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally, someone who addresses Asian American leaders, February 20, 2004

By	Chomper (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

I'm about halfway through this book, but just reading the first few chapters, I could have sworn I was reading an auto-biography of myself. His experiences are just so close to what I've experienced and hit hard to where I am coming from.

Every ethnicity has it's own issues and concerns that need addressing. Paul Tok really tackles this topic with a gusto and humility that make him very approachable. Even though he is Japanese American, his experiences mimic what most Asian Americans experience. From deferring to our parents to the ridiculous heights we hold education and prestige. He gives us perspective of how he deals with these issues along with dealing with other races.

While this book is geared towards Asian Americans, I HIGHLY recommend leaders of other ethnicities to read this book. It truly shines a light on some of the issues facing Asian Americans and can give insight in how to relate to us.

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul at Urbana 2003 during a workshop he gave on this very topic. Although I hadn't read his book at the time, (and I wish I did), he came across as someone who really wants to help and empathizes with the future leaders of this generation.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight from Paul Tok on Asian American leadership..., July 21, 2003

By	Roger Lam (Decatur, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This book is a MUST read for all Asian Americans. Paul Tok's insight into Asian American culture and leadership styles is a great resource to anyone from pastors to lay church workers to people in a work setting. Highly recommended!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very honest and personal... GREAT!!!, April 22, 2003

By A Customer

I haven't finished the book yet, but even half way through it, it really is a great book. The author shares his life very honestly and openly and shares great insight from his years of leading. I think there is a lot of struggle in being an Asian American leader and this book helps to verbalize and bring to light those struggles. Thanks Paul!