Practicing Greatness.

Book Review

McNeal, Reggie. Practicing Greatness. Disciplines of extraordinary spiritual leaders. Jossey-Bass Pub. 2006 (A Leadership Network Publication)

Comment. Henry
Ken Blanchard gives this book a very strong endorsement in his Foreword. Leadership is one of the spiritual gifts and there are disciplines that are required to develop this gift. Reggie has done a great job of addressing that challenge. These disciplines are identified and discussed clearly. A very practical resource for leaders.

“Jesus’ idea of greatness revolves around humility and service” (3) not position, power and privilege. To think of service as prescribed actions is too restrictive. It must also have to do with desired outcomes. The leadership that Jesus modeled is the result of practicing specific disciplines; “self-awareness, self-management, self-development, mission, decision-making, belonging and aloneness”. (6)

Self-awareness is a foundational discipline. It begins with a thorough knowledge of ones family of origin. Sources of addictions and compulsions sometimes come from family. The importance of healthy personal boundaries is stressed. A person’s perceived call, talents, personal traits, etc. are a significant part of self-awareness. Negative traits of behavior must be identified and dealt with.

One of the first challenges of self-management is the managing of emotions, especially negative emotions. Expectations of self and others need to be managed. The matter of physical and emotional health must be managed. Managing material things, especially money, is crucial.

Leaders practice self-discipline when “they pursue lifelong learning, and they build on their strengths”. (62) Unlearning is an important part of learning. Learning may be internal, external or academic. It is an intentional exposure to new ideas. “Learning networks” (66) are effective for relational learning. Discovering and developing our strengths is a major part of self-discipline. We learn through failure.

“Great leaders practice the discipline of mission.” (82) Mission determines what they do. The discovery of mission comes out of call, passion, talent and personality. Some of the results, “permissions”, (83) of mission are meaning and significance, excellence, energy and intentionality.

Decision making is another important discipline. Six key elements of decision making are: “ask the right questions, get enough of the right kind of information, consider timing, involve the right people, operate with right motives and understand intended outcomes”. (101-110) after decisions are made there must be a follow up process. Always learn from mistakes.

Belonging, another discipline, begins with family and then goes outward to friends, co-workers and mentors. “Great leaders belong to their followers.” (140)

A discipline that is not much discussed with reference to leadership is the discipline of aloneness. This discipline is described as “wilderness experiences”. (144) Examples in scripture are plentiful. They involve a crisis. “No leader goes through wilderness unchanged.” (148) Aloneness can be initiated through extended prayer times, fasting, journaling, etc. The hindrances that prevent this discipline are very real in our busy world.

Disciplines are a great source of power for spiritual leaders.