We may as well say it straight out – Leadership is messy. And we all interact with leadership in some way.

Whether it is at work, church, with family, or relationships, our lives are impacted by leadership. If our desire is to lead well, we must continually develop for leadership will require everything of us.

In her book, The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership: The Power of Leading from Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength, Jenni Catron explores what it takes to become an extraordinary leader, one who will call others to also become leaders who accomplish extraordinary things as well. She explains:

“Great leadership is rare because it takes work. It takes intentionality. It requires sacrifice. It takes resolve. It involves heartaches, disappointments, and mistakes. It requires apologies. It entails a daily dose of humility. It means relentless growth and frequent failure.

Extraordinary leadership isn’t easy, but it is possible. “

She reveals that the secret to extraordinary leadership lies in this verse, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all you strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31, NLT)

If we are going to become extraordinary leaders, then we need to develop in these four areas: heart, soul, mind, and strength:

1. Heart. Our heart is the center of our emotions, desires, and dreams. “Leading from the heart is about earning influence through relationships rather than authority.”
2. Soul. Our soul is the part of us that longs for God. It is the seat of our morality, integrity, humility, and servanthood. Leading from our soul will “give us the sensitivity to engage in the conversations that help lead people closer to God.”
3. Mind. This is the center of all our intellectual activity. “Leading with our minds allows us to make wise decisions about stewarding all the resources that God has entrusted to us.”
4. Strength. This is our ability to cast vision each day. Leading from our strength “means keeping hope and possibility in front of yourself and those you lead.”

Jenni explains each area with a warmth and understanding which makes application of the principles shared seem effortless. She shares her experiences and quotes from others producing an invaluable resource for any leader. Her words ring true as she writes transparently of her own growth and desire to be all that God has called her to be.

The 4 Dimensions is not only a book for leaders to read, but for all of us who long to reach our full potential in and through Christ. I encourage you to take the leadership assessment which she offers.

“As a leader, you must commit to constant learning and be a fanatic about it.”

May we be committed to our growth because our God is committed to us –

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
(Philippians 1:6, NLT)

All quotes taken from: Catron, J. (2015). The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership: The Power of Leading from Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson.

*I was given an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Everyday Jesus and Literacy Musing Mondays and Booknificent Thursday .