One-Minute Devotions to bring your life into focus. These devotions from renowned leaders like Bill Hybels, John Maxwell, Os Guinness, J.L. Packer, George Gallup and Peter Drucker offer a spiritual ju...[More]

One-Minute Devotions to bring your life into focus. These devotions from renowned leaders like Bill Hybels, John Maxwell, Os Guinness, J.L. Packer, George Gallup and Peter Drucker offer a spiritual jump-start through 90 days of devotions designed to fit into even the busiest schedules.[Less]

Two internationally recognized experts in the field of leadership and authors of the bestselling "Leadership Challenge" explore a variety of today's most critical and difficult leadership issues, incl...[More]

Two internationally recognized experts in the field of leadership and authors of the bestselling "Leadership Challenge" explore a variety of today's most critical and difficult leadership issues, including the issue of legacy. Kouzes and Posner examine in twenty-two chapters the critical questions all leaders must ask themselves in order to leave a lasting impact. These powerful essays are grouped into four categories: Significance, Relationships, Aspirations, and Courage.

In each essay the authors consider a thorny and often ambiguous issue with which today' s leaders must grapple-such as how leaders serve and sacrifice, why leaders need loving critics, why leaders "should" want to be liked, why leaders can't take trust for granted, why it' s not just the leader' s vision, why failure is always an option, why it takes courage to "make a life, "how to liberate the leader in everyone, and ultimately, how the legacy you leave is the life you lead.

A Leader's Legacy is Kouzes and Posner's most personal and compelling work to date. "By asking ourselves how we want to be remembered, we plant the seeds for living our lives as if we matter. By living each day as if we matter, we offer up our own unique legacy. By offering up our own unique legacy, we make the world we inhabit a better place than we found it." - From the Introduction.[Less]

Most of the leaders of the early church were community leaders and successful business people. Silvoso's inspiring book shows why it's time to break down the wall between labor and religious service a...[More]

Most of the leaders of the early church were community leaders and successful business people. Silvoso's inspiring book shows why it's time to break down the wall between labor and religious service and view labor as worship.[Less]

The notion that labor for profit and worship of God are now, and always have been, worlds apart, is patently false. The Early Church founders were mostly community leaders and successful businesspeopl...[More]

The notion that labor for profit and worship of God are now, and always have been, worlds apart, is patently false. The Early Church founders were mostly community leaders and successful businesspeople. The writing of the Gospels was entrusted to Luke, a medical doctor; Matthew, a retired tax collector; Mark, the manager of a family trust; and John, a food supplier. Lydia was "a dealer in purple cloth." Dorcas was a clothes designer. In this expanded version of the best-selling 'Anointed for Business,' Ed Silvoso focuses on the heart of our cities, which is the marketplace. Yet the perceived wall between commercial pursuit and service to God continues to be a barrier to advancing His kingdom. Silvoso shows Christians how to knock down that wall--and participate in an unparalleled marketplace transformation. Only then can we see God's kingdom invade every corner of our world. Readers will appreciate Silvoso's passionate call to men and women in the workplace to rise to their God-appointed positions. The included study guide will enable the reader to put these revolutionary concepts into action.[Less]

A Positive Revolution in Change. An introduction to today's hottest new change management approach. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) emphasizes inquiry into the strengths, rather than focusing ...[More]

A Positive Revolution in Change. An introduction to today's hottest new change management approach. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) emphasizes inquiry into the strengths, rather than focusing exclusively on fixing weaknesses. Written by the originators and leaders of the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) movement itself, this short, practical guide offers an approach to organizational change based on the possibility of a more desirable future, experience with the whole system, and activities that signal "something different is happening this time." That difference systematically taps the potential of human beings to make themselves, their organizations, and their communities more adaptive and more effective. AI, a theory of collaborative change, erases the winner/loser paradigm in favor of coordinated actions and closer relationships that lead to solutions at once simpler and more effective.[Less]

Powerful Leadership Proverbs The best leaders not only lead well but also reflect on their leadership long enough and thoughtfully enough to articulate the philosophies that cause them to do so...[More]

Powerful Leadership Proverbs The best leaders not only lead well but also reflect on their leadership long enough and thoughtfully enough to articulate the philosophies that cause them to do so. Whether serving in the marketplace or in ministry, as executives or rank-and-file employees, as salaried staff or volunteer servants, good leaders can pinpoint the rationale for their actions and decisions with the ease of reciting their home address.[Less]

Powerful Leadership Proverbs The best leaders not only lead well but also reflect on their leadership long enough and thoughtfully enough to articulate the philosophies that cause them to do so...[More]

Powerful Leadership Proverbs The best leaders not only lead well but also reflect on their leadership long enough and thoughtfully enough to articulate the philosophies that cause them to do so. Whether serving in the marketplace or in ministry, as executives or rank-and-file employees, as salaried staff or volunteer servants, good leaders can pinpoint the rationale for their actions and decisions with the ease of reciting their home address.[Less]

From Impoverished to Empowered. "The fine work that Drs. Steffen and Barnett have carefully placed together in this book brings added light and depth to the BAM movement. It will stimulate t...[More]

From Impoverished to Empowered. "The fine work that Drs. Steffen and Barnett have carefully placed together in this book brings added light and depth to the BAM movement. It will stimulate the reader to seriously consider the current and future impact and potential of the movement in the spreading of the gospel. It also has the potential to encourage and validate the role of the Christian business person in the Great Commission, both at home and abroad." -- Larry Strand, Dean, School of Business, Biola University.

“To put it bluntly, business as mission (BAM) is a work in progress. It is a field that needs definition, theological clarity, and missiological focus. Our call for papers for our regional conferences is timely…to make a pivotal contribution in a sea of some confusion and even controversy.” --Doug Pennoyer, Dean of SIS, Biola University and President of EMS

This volume will provide some definition and precision while identifying areas that demand further discussion.[Less]

Work and the Examined Life. In this inspirational meditation on why, and for whom, we work, the winner of the 1994 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion offers both a defense of the work of ...[More]

Work and the Examined Life. In this inspirational meditation on why, and for whom, we work, the winner of the 1994 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion offers both a defense of the work of businesses and a coherent philosophy to guide their thinking. Novak presents key moral ideals, including the creation of wealth and jobs, and the creation of the idea of progress.

"Rich, wise, and illuminating... simultaneously rehumanizes capitalism and remoralizes business--an immense... contribution...." Os Guinness[Less]

The Power of Business in the Kingdom of God. We are living in the Business Age. The historic role of nation states is rapidly being replaced by the corporation. Like never before, Christian bus...[More]

The Power of Business in the Kingdom of God. We are living in the Business Age. The historic role of nation states is rapidly being replaced by the corporation. Like never before, Christian business leaders have the chance to play a pivotal role in transforming society and spreading the gospel. But seizing this opportunity requires thinking differently about God, about his kingdom, about his purposes in the world, and about business.

While some Christian professionals dream of being "freed from business" to go into the ministry or see business as enemy territory to be invaded for Christ, others are convinced that Christian principles simply don't work in the "real world". In this book, Michael Baer challenges each of these positions. He rejects the unbiblical thinking that ministry and business are by definition separate activities - that our lives can be compartmentalized into the sacred and secular. Instead he guides business leaders in developing the vital characteristics of a kingdom business - the kind of business that will free them to live fully integrated lives and lead organizations that significantly impact the world. Keyword: BAM[Less]

A Comprehensive Guide to Theory and Practice. C. Neal Johnson offers the first comprehensive guide to business as mission (BAM) for practitioners. He provides conceptual foundations for unders...[More]

A Comprehensive Guide to Theory and Practice. C. Neal Johnson offers the first comprehensive guide to business as mission (BAM) for practitioners. He provides conceptual foundations for understanding BAM's unique place in global mission and prerequisites for engaging in it. Then he offers practical resources for how to do BAM, including strategic planning and step-by-step operational implementation. Keyword: BAM[Less]

A Christian Vision for the Marketplace. Is business just a way to make money? Or can the marketplace be a venue for service to others? Scott B. Rae and Kenman L. Wong seek to explore this and o...[More]

A Christian Vision for the Marketplace. Is business just a way to make money? Or can the marketplace be a venue for service to others? Scott B. Rae and Kenman L. Wong seek to explore this and other critical business issues from a uniquely Christian perspective, offering up a vision for work and service that is theologically grounded and practically oriented. Among the specific questions they address along the way are these:

* What implications does the Christian story have for the vision, mission or sense of purpose that shapes business engagement
* What parts of business can be affirmed and practiced "as is" and what parts need to be rejected or transformed?
* What challenges exist as attempts are made to live out Christian ideals in a broken world characterized by tight margins, fierce competition and short-term investor pressures?
* How do Christian values inform specific functional areas of business such as the management of people, marketing and environmental sustainability?

Business can be even more than an environment through which individual Christians grow in Christlikeness. In this book you'll discover how it can also be a means toward serving the common good.

CONTENTS:
1 Your Work Is an Altar
2 The Shape of a Calling to Business
3 Business and Spiritual Formation
4 Wealth, Success and Ambition
5 The Calling of Business in the Global Economy
6 Ethics in the Workplace
7 Leadership and Management: Serving Employees
8 Marketing: Serving Customers
9 Stewardship and Sustainability: Serving The Garden and Our Neighbors
10 Emerging Directions in Business[Less]

The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business Can business activity in itself be morally good and pleasing to God? Sometimes business can seem so shady--manipulating the "bottom line,"...[More]

The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business Can business activity in itself be morally good and pleasing to God? Sometimes business can seem so shady--manipulating the "bottom line," deceiving the consumer, or gaining promotions because of whom you know. But Wayne Grudem introduces a novel concept: business itself glorifies God when it is conducted in a way that imitates God's character and creation. He shows that all aspects of business, including ownership, profit, money, competition, and borrowing and lending, glorify God because they are reflective of God's nature. Though Grudem isn't naive about the easy ways these activities can be perverted and used as a means to sin, he knows that Christians can be about the business of business. This biblically based book is a thoughtful guide to imitating God during interactions with customers, coworkers, employees, and other businesses. See how your business, and your life in business, can be dedicated to God's glory. Keyword: BAM[Less]

The Challenge of Fusing Christian Values with Business Life. Takes the "spirituality at work" movement to the next level, offering practical advice on how the church can help with this quest. (...[More]

The Challenge of Fusing Christian Values with Business Life. Takes the "spirituality at work" movement to the next level, offering practical advice on how the church can help with this quest. (Foreword by Ken Blanchard)

Must business people leave their Christian values at church?
While many business people have a strong and growing interest in the relationship between work and spirit, few find the church to be a resource in their explorations. How can business people live out their faith at work? And how can the church respond more effectively to business peoples needs?

The authors offers practical advice on how business people can find and develop better resources within Christian communities. Nash and McLennan assess the distance between pew and pulpit, articulate how the church is turning off business and professional people, and make concrete recommendations on how church leaders and lay business people can work together in partnership to bridge the gap. They also offer practical help for business people who wish to nurture the soul, create harmony, connect with community, and perform ethically on the job.[Less]

The Backbone of Leadership. Gus Lee captures a critical component of leadership: not only being honest and fair but acting beyond what may be obviously required, in a way that may be uncomforta...[More]

The Backbone of Leadership. Gus Lee captures a critical component of leadership: not only being honest and fair but acting beyond what may be obviously required, in a way that may be uncomfortable, and often lonely, but is utterly necessary. He helps the reader develop the moral intelligence necessary to root out unethical practices and behaviors.

Scandals in business and politics are the lead stories on the national news. Aside from public outrage, not much has changed. This is because the power to change does not come from information, but from modeling and practicing the learnable behaviors of courage. Many of us tolerate unethical acts, emotional abuse, and routine moral weakness. At work, we look away from character failings, tolerate ethical compromises, avoid conflict, and feel stuck in moral gridlock. Yet studies show that ethical businesses profit more in the long term and that morally courageous leaders inspire their organizations toward sustained success. In other words, integrity and character drive profits.[Less]

How Leaders Gain It and Lose It, Why People Demand It. The first true revision of the classic book from the bestselling authors of [More]

How Leaders Gain It and Lose It, Why People Demand It. The first true revision of the classic book from the bestselling authors of The Leadership Challenge.

As the world falls deeper into economic downturns and warfare, the question of credibility (how leaders gain and lose it) is more important than ever. Building on their research from "The Leadership Challenge," James Kouzes and Barry Posner explore in "Credibility" why leadership is above all a relationship, with credibility as the cornerstone, and why leaders must "Say what you mean and mean what you say." This first full revision of the book since its initial publication in 1993 features new case studies from around the world, fully updated data and research, and a streamlined format. Written by the premier leadership experts working today, "Credibility" reveals the six key disciplines and related practices that strengthen a leader's capacity for developing and sustaining credibility. Kouzes and Posner show how leaders can encourage greater initiative, risk-taking, and productivity by demonstrating trust in employees and resolving conflicts on the basis of principles, not positions.

"Make room on your bookshelf for "Credibility." Here is a much-needed human approach to leadership, finally focusing on issues that really matter- honesty, sensitivity to diversity, and the need for community.'' - Ken Blanchard

"Leadership is personal. It's not about the corporation, the community, or the country. It's about you. If people don't believe in the "messenger," they won't believe the message. If people don't believe in "you," they won't believe in what you say. And if it's about you, then it's about your beliefs, your values, your principles."- from "Credibility"[Less]

A Leadership Fable...about Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business, church and ministry--boring unproductive meetings Best-selling author Lencioni's latest business fable takes on m...[More]

A Leadership Fable...about Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business, church and ministry--boring unproductive meetings Best-selling author Lencioni's latest business fable takes on meetings--why people hate them, why they shouldn't, and how to make them great. Through fictional narrative, modeling, and practical suggestions, Lencioni shows how to turn meetings from painful and tedious to productive, compelling, and even energizing.[Less]

A Leader's Guide to Rewarding and Recognizing Others. Delves deep into a core leadership principle, the key to positively influencing high performance in others, which they call "encouraging th...[More]

A Leader's Guide to Rewarding and Recognizing Others. Delves deep into a core leadership principle, the key to positively influencing high performance in others, which they call "encouraging the heart." This means building self confidence through high expectations, connecting performance and rewards.

When it comes to motivating people to higher standards of performance, nothing--not even money--works as powerfully as the recognition of individual effort and achievement. And yet this "soft" leadership skill is one many leaders find hardest to command. In this work, the best-selling authors of "The Leadership Challenge" delve deeply into the art of encouragement and reveal the practices and techniques exceptional leaders use to inspire extraordinary performance in others. Charged with real-world examples, practical ideas, and expert advice, "Encouraging the Heart" is your guide to mastering one of the most important elements of exemplary leadership.[Less]

What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently. Based on the largest study of its kind ever undertaken, more than 80,000 managers in 400 companies reveal revolutionary insights about success...[More]

What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently. Based on the largest study of its kind ever undertaken, more than 80,000 managers in 400 companies reveal revolutionary insights about successful managerial behavior.

The greatest managers in the world seem to have little in common. They differ in sex, age, and race. They employ vastly different styles and focus on different goals. Yet despite their differences, great managers share one common trait: They do not hesitate to break virtually every rule held sacred by conventional wisdom. They do not believe that, with enough training, a person can achieve anything he sets his mind to. They do not try to help people overcome their weaknesses. They consistently disregard the golden rule. And, yes, they even play favorites. This amazing book explains why.

Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman of the Gallup Organization present the remarkable findings of their massive in-depth study of great managers across a wide variety of situations. Some were in leadership positions. Others were front-line supervisors. Some were in Fortune 500 companies; others were key players in small, entrepreneurial companies. Whatever their situations, the managers who ultimately became the focus of Gallup's research were invariably those who excelled at turning each employee's talent into performance.

In today's tight labor markets, companies compete to find and keep the best employees, using pay, benefits, promotions, and training. But these well-intentioned efforts often miss the mark. The front-line manager is the key to attracting and retaining talented employees. No matter how generous its pay or how renowned its training, the company that lacks great front-line managers will suffer. Buckingham and Coffman explain how the best managers select an employee for talent rather than for skills or experience; how they set expectations for him or her -- they define the right outcomes rather than the right steps; how they motivate people -- they build on each person's unique strengths rather than trying to fix his weaknesses; and, finally, how great managers develop people -- they find the right fit for each person, not the next rung on the ladder. And perhaps most important, this research -- which initially generated thousands of different survey questions on the subject of employee opinion -- finally produced the twelve simple questions that work to distinguish the strongest departments of a company from all the rest. This book is the first to present this essential measuring stick and to prove the link between employee opinions and productivity, profit, customer satisfaction, and the rate of turnover.

There are vital performance and career lessons here for managers at every level, and, best of all, the book shows you how to apply them to your own situation. (Publisher Marketing)[Less]

Transforming People and Nations Through Business. There is an important role for Christian business people in effecting real change in developing countries, and many are already taking up the m...[More]

Transforming People and Nations Through Business. There is an important role for Christian business people in effecting real change in developing countries, and many are already taking up the mantle. They are pursuing Kingdom business, for-profit business ventures designed to facilitate the transformation of people and nations.

God Is at Work deals with this emerging missions movement, one in which Christians are meeting significant spiritual and economic needs in the developing world. Learn why Christian business people are uniquely equipped to address poverty, a disease that afflicts many millions around the world. Discover the colorful two thousand-year history of business as a missions vehicle. Meet those engaged in exciting Kingdom business ventures today—even in areas mostly closed to the gospel. Get a vision for "transforming people and nations through business."

This book is a must-read for Kingdom-minded business people, development workers, pastors, missionaries, students—in short, for anyone who wants to see God at work transforming the world.

Douglass North was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1993 for demonstrating that a nation's economic performance depends on its prevailing belief system or culture. That's because a society's collective beliefs form the basis on which several "institutions" critical for economic success are built: formal rules, informal norms, and their enforcement characteristics. The implication for developing nations, says North, is that "both institutions and belief systems must change for successful reform."

Based on North's work, it is not by chance that democratic capitalism flourished first and foremost in countries with a strong Judeo-Christian worldview. Scriptural principles include the equality of each person before the law, the sanctity of property rights, the ethical demand to be fair and compassionate employers, the injunction to work diligently and honestly, the grace to undertake new endeavors, and a hope for the future. A business environment characterized by heartfelt biblical morality will be far more successful than one that is characterized by dishonesty, disloyalty, distrust, and disorder. On the flip side, where these biblical values are not present, capitalism will fail to live up to its potential. Thus, economic transformation requires a spiritual transformation in which minds are renewed and new values are adopted.[Less]