Whitworth president's new book looks to the life of Jesus for modern-day leadership lessons
Amidst an economic crisis and escalating tensions at home and abroad, people are increasingly uncertain about the future and are looking for leaders who can provide direction yet remain in touch with the daily needs of those they lead. In his new book, Incarnate Leadership: Five Leadership Lessons from the Life of Jesus, Whitworth President Bill Robinson shows that the ways in which Jesus led his disciples are as effective today as they were in the first century. Robinson draws from the gospel writer John's introduction of Jesus to point out how Christ dwelt among those he led, how he was transparent with his followers, how he humbly reflected his Father's glory, and how he led with a strength born of grace, truth and sacrifice.
"If any leader had the right to be a little ‘me-centered,' it was Jesus," Robinson says. "But he never was. From the manger to the cross he was mission-centered, service-centered, other-centered."
Throughout Incarnate Leadership, Robinson weaves in real-life stories derived from his own successes and failures as a leader. Since his arrival at Whitworth in 1993, the university has enjoyed record levels of student enrollment and retention, major capital improvements, and increased external visibility.
"As I looked at the way Jesus led the disciples, his humility contrasted with the pride I found in much of today's leadership, including my own," Robinson says. "I found myself wanting to lead more like Jesus, because it works better and because it is better."
Robinson shared highlights from his new book and updates on Whitworth during a series of receptions up and down the West Coast this spring. Alumni, donors, parents, and friends of the university attended the receptions, held in Pasadena, Newport Beach, Denver, Colorado Springs, Burlingame, Berkeley, Bellevue, Portland, Spokane and Boise.
Incarnate Leadership, published by Zondervan, is available through the Whitworth Bookstore (509.777.3277 or www.whitworth.edu/bookstore), and from major bookstores online.
You can download a recording of Robinson's interview on the online radio program Jesus21 from iTunes or www.blogtalkradio.com/Jesus21.
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