Lead . . . for God's Sake!: A Parable for Finding the Heart of Leadership

Bought 4 of these and keep passing them out! Love how quick a read it is but jam packed with good stuff!!

Strongly recommend this book for anyone in a leadership position- or just anyone in general. It really stresses the importance of relationships in our life and what really matters.

I am an NCAA College Athlete, am a fraternity brother in SAE, and am NOT an avid reader. When my parents gave me Lead... For God's Sake as a Christmas present, I thanked them and thought to myself, "Awesome, just another book to collect the dust in my room." Little did I know I would be writing a review for it, and recommending it to other athletes, teammates, friends, and family. This book has a message and many life lessons that anyone can learn from. This book has a story that anyone can relate to or connect with in someway, whether you are an athlete, a businessman, a parent, or just someone who wants to read what people including myself are talking about.Lead... For God's Sake was a gift to me, one of the few that truly will never stop giving. I grew up in a family of 5, where I was forced to go to church every Sunday, where I wasn't allowed to eat a meal without a prayer being said, and where I was restricted on which parties or friends houses I could or could not go to based on what my parents had heard about that place or family. This was at times frustrating and very tough for me, coming to school on Monday, or going to practice on the weekends and hearing about what I had missed out on the night before. During the summer, I even would get to the course after church, and the guys who played in the morning game would have already teed off, therefore I didn't have a game to play in that day. When I finally made my college decision, I couldn't wait to be on my own and make my own decisions. I was excited to be apart of a college sports team, be able to hangout with whoever I wanted to, whenever I wanted to, and participate in the college social scene with no one telling me what I could and could not do.After a successful Freshman school year and season, I couldn't wait to get back to school and help my team win another National Championship. Although a great first year, I had a lot of pressure coming from others to meet expectations they had for me coming in. Unfortunately, I did not feel as though I had done what everyone else had expected me to do at this point in my career, and definitely not as much as I thought I would have. These unmet expectations, along with problems between my coach and I lead me to lose my starting spot in the lineup. At this point in my life I was really questioning everything, including if I made the right decision on college, and just what my path in life would be. On my way to one of our last tournaments, I was quickly packing all of my necessities for the trip and as I was about to leave I noticed Lead... For God's Sake on the table next to my bed. I knew i had a long trip ahead so I grabbed it and put in my back pack, with the intentions of reading the first few pages and then getting rid of it like every other book I am given. Instead I started reading, and could not put it down. I can honestly say this is the first book I have finished front to back since grade school. Not only did I read this, but it took me two days, and if I would have had a night light, I would have finished that day.Lead... For God's Sake will not disappoint, it is a quick and easy read, yet a book you will always look back at. This book was put into my life for a reason, and just proves what my parents always said growing up, "everything happens for a reason, there are no coincidences!" Enjoy

A wonderful story of the inside of the coach’s heart and journey.

One of the best books I've ever read dealing with leadership. Very applicable

I was encouraged to find that this book emphasized the why of leadership more than then what or the how. Through a story about a successful but selfish high school basketball coach who meets a school janitor with great wisdom, we learn that leaders must lead from a heart of love rather than from a reward/punishment mindset. The coach goes through a personal transformation as he learns to connect with God, who then enable him to connect with his family, his team, and his friends. Along the way, Gongwer helps his readers take stock of our own lives. Readers are encouraged to ask, "Am I embracing my place, setting my priorities, and living with passion?" Although Gongwer is not a craftsman with words like Pulitzer prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson, he makes his points well with his targeted readers, businessmen and the sports-minded. It's a quick read, using the Andy Andrews and Patrick Lencioni story-telling and principle-sharing approach. I liked the book and appreciated the simple, heart-felt, Christ-centered, and straightforward message. I think Gongwer's approach - especially with the thumbs up application that a notable coach like Urban Meyer has made - will have a positive impact on the lives of leaders so that they lead... for the right reason - for God's sake. This would be a good book to share with the business leader and sports fans in your life. I will likely use the drawing and some of the principles with the men I am currently discipling. Thanks, Todd Gongwer for this contribution to leadership literature that can result in helping some businessmen (who might never go to church) connect with Christ.

she liked, said it was intresting

As a leader in corporate America I have read several books on leadership and styles. While they all have take always I will say "Lead for God's Sake" has had the biggest impact. It started with just reading the book, which I could not put down. I found my self reading on my iPad while standing in line at the airport or wherever to just finish it. I was moved and emotionally tied to the story of the book. At times bringing tears to my eyes and just feeling the presents of Christ in the moment. So nice to see how you can tie leadership skills with solid biblical learnings and see results. I have already gifted the book to others and recommend to anyone else I have a chance to talk to about it. Everyone has a leadership role from leading teams, groups or families. And everyone can benefit from reading "Lead for God's Sake". I can't help from thinking that this is exactly what we are seeing from Tim Teebow and his walk in Christ and his role in the NFL. The book will draw you in from chapter one and leave you emotionally moved at the end. I highly recommend reading "Lead for God's Sake" and you will not be disappointed. I am not a blogger or professional reviewer, just a child of Christ and moved by a wonderful book that teaches me better ways to lead my teams, friends and family. My wrist band "Lead for God's Sake" reminds me everyday who I am and my purpose. There is a reason for everything and we all have a purpose, read "Lead for God's Sake" and you will find yours as I did.

An incredibly powerful book on servant leadership. A must read for all leaders.

Great story line; inspirational and motivational. Reminds you about what really matters in this world. A good story for all ages.

Great

Simple and straight to the point: love at the center of everything. Very valuable reading not only for leadership but for the whole life!

The book has a very strong start and will keep you interested until it loses the plot mid-way. The book has some interesting takeaways if you are able to get through. Good for a one time read. May not necessarily be a book you will always go back to.