What a treat! I had the opportunity last week to spend a day and a half with Todd Gongwer, the author of the outstanding book, “Lead for God’s Sake”, as he came to Alexandria to speak to our Leadership Roundtable Groups, and Unity Foundation Luncheon.

A senior leader gave me “Lead for God’s Sake” after some training I did for him and his leadership team in Omaha, NE last fall. He indicated it was the best book that he had ever read, and felt I should read it, as it was right in line with the training I had just delivered on servant leadership.

I started reading the book on the plane ride home and literally could not put it down until I finished it. It is certainly one of the best leadership books I have read as well. Since that time, I have given out over 100 books to clients, family, and friends. Some of those people that received books from me have done the same thing, and I know of upwards of 1600 books being purchased and shared from this network of leaders here in Alexandria, MN. (Never underestimate the possible impact of sharing a book with someone!)

After having the opportunity to get to know Todd, I am that much more impressed with the book and its message. Todd is a humble servant leader who is delivering on his purpose and calling from God, and sharing his heart for leadership.

I would like to share a sampling of key points that we learned from Todd as he spoke to our Leadership Roundtable group in Alexandria.

• Leadership is influence, and as leaders we influence from our actions, which include our words, attitudes, and behaviors.
• A leader’s actions are derived from their character, which is the heart (their pump and filter) of their leadership.
• Leadership is about both formal and informal influence. Informal influence makes everyone a leader; it is not just about a position of authority.
• Leadership is central to our call. That is why Jesus spent so much time teaching how to influence.
• Character influences character and shapes culture!

Todd also shared the four key qualities at the core of the heart of a servant leader:

• Competent
• Caring
• Compassionate
• Committed

Speaking of commitment, let’s commit to bringing Jesus into the center of everything we do as leaders, both formally and informally, and “Lead for God’s Sake”. Will you follow your call to be a servant leader?

Mark

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45

Mark Deterding believes in being a humble servant leader who is absolutely persistent on driving improvement. He insures clarity of purpose and vision and then creates an environment that will allow for that vision to be effectively carried out. He empowers and develops people to allow them to succeed. For more information about Mark and his programs visit:  https://triuneleadershipservices.com