If you are in the market for a leadership how-to manual, take your pick. There is an overabundance of information lining retail book shelves when it comes to the power of management. And honestly, they all say pretty much the same thing, just in the author’s unique voice. You can learn how to delegate, motivate, manage, and carry heavy responsibility while avoiding burnout from real estate tycoons, Wall Street brokers, teachers, ministers, auto manufacturer executives, and health care CEO’s. They teach how to do leadership, not how to be good leaders, though.
What is a good leader? In The Great Commandment Leader, Dordal exposes the truths many miss. Based on The Great Commandment, his ideas focus on putting others first-service-as opposed to climbing the corporate ladder through a dog-eat-dog approach. That’s not to say his target audience is solely the Christian leader. Obviously, it is the Christian leader that will best understand the commandment spoken of by Jesus, but that doesn’t narrow the field of emphasis to believers only. Anyone in command can implement Dordal’s principles and achieve success. “Leadership is influence-nothing more, nothing less.”
In order to fulfill the Great Commandment, Dordal breaks down the concept of who God is, who we are in God, and how to create influence in the lives of others. God is love. Although that is simplistic and perhaps clichéd, it is what it is. The concept of God being a bully in heaven, waiting to punish our every mistake, is at the foundation of the belief system of many. However, Dordal teaches that because God is perfect, he experiences righteous indignation and corrects injustice as needed. Don't forget, though, he is also the one who sacrificed his son for our benefit. He did it providing a way of escape and accomplishment as it pertains to salvation, healing and any other need one may have. God meets our needs so that as leaders, we may concentrate wholeheartedly on the needs of others. “God provides not only for the leader’s sake but so the leader might become a conduit of God’s love to others.” The emphasis is on love being an action word and not just the description of an emotion.
Another area in which Dordal contradicts long held beliefs regarding leadership is independence verses interdependence. “Though many leaders are known for their fierce self-reliance and independence, Great Commandment leaders are completely dependent on God for their needs. Their confidence, authority, and power come from their relationship with Christ.” This is an elementary theory as opposed to a complicated revelation, as being a leader that serves and sacrifices can’t afford to be self centered. They have to be grounded enough to look beyond themselves and aware of the opportunities that will present. This is a basic yet mandatory requirement of great leaders.
Through boots-on-the-ground experience and Godly wisdom, Dordal has managed to get his finger on the pulse point of the type of leadership that makes a difference. It is service oriented, not goal driven. He uses copious Biblical references, charts, study questions, and my favorite-information on how to make those paradigm shifts. He has devoted a chapter each to equipping, coaching, multiplication, outcome, justice and "glocal” paradigms. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, it takes viewing a situation differently before we can enact a new concept, which is why these chapters are so crucial to completing the enlightenment of being a Great Commandment Leader.
Dordal’s concept is really simple-lead by serving, serve by loving. You don’t need the book to understand that. However, if you want to know how to be a leader of influence, you can’t afford not to read The Great Commandment Leader. After spending time studying the scriptural references and concepts that Dordal presents, I believe other books designed to motivate the leader are a waste of time, money and effort. If the author implies that leaders concentrate only on themselves and not others, the reader will do leadership, but not be a great leader. It all begins with one question. What kind of leader do you want to be?
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: WinePress Publishing (February 11, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414119186
ISBN-13: 978-1414119182
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
Note-A copy of The Great Commandment Leader was provided for review.
