The Mentor Leader.

Book Review.

Dungy, Tony.  Whitake, Nathan.  The Mentor Leader.  Secrets to building people and team that win consistently.  Tyndale Publishing.  2010.

T.D.- “has always learned from others on his path to success as a son, a football player, a winning coach, and an Emmy-nominated studio analyst.”

“Leadership is not an innate, mystical gift; rather, it is a learned ability to influence the attitudes and behavior of others.”  (intro)

“Relationships are ultimately what matters- our relationships with God and with other people.” (5)  “Doing the right thing at the right time in the right way” (16) requires a foundation of a strong faith.  “If you do it right, as a mentor leader, you may make it impossible for other people to give you credit.” (27)

It is important for leaders (mentors) to have visions and goals but they must be kept in perspective with the journey towards those goals.  Vision, mission and values become key factors in a successful organization.  A “service-directed leadership” (39) enhances these factors. 

The path to maturity involves “self-examination”.  (46)  “Character is the foundation on which all leadership is built.” (69)  Attributes of successful leaders are disgust.  There is no insignificant opportunity for mentoring.  Actions must always be consistent with words; the message.  “The culture you create permeates everything you touch.” (142)

There are seven “steps of progression” (166) that will cause a team to reach its potential; “Engage, educate, equip, encourage, empower, energize, and elevate.” (166-187)

“The mentor leader adds value to the lives of others.” (193)  “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Nelson Henderson.

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