Thoughts and quotes from Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: lessons in non-linear leadership, by Nancy Ortberg.  I'm not really sure about the "non-linear" aspect of the title, but the topics touched upon by the author were those you would expect in a book devoted to leadership.  I did like the theme which is implied in the title phrase, "rubber bands" of tension.  The kind of tension Ortberg references is the kind which balances the need for execution against the ever-present pull of homeostasis (my word, not hers).  I think if she had emphasized this even more throughout the book it would have taken the book from an OK book on leadership up a level.  As it is, I would have to say that most of the book is a re-work of the principles found in Good to Great, from a Christian perspective. 

Still, I found her writing to be easy to read and she was willing to be personally vulnerable in her journey on the path of leadership.  Some of the quotes I found particularly interesting were:

"Inherent in the leadership relationship is the expectation that over time, the direction you give will result in progress toward maturity, growth in skills and character, and even an increase in your own leadership competencies." p. 2

"To lead well, we must possess the strong belief that our best days are ahead of us, always ahead of us.  Hope and leadership are inexorably linked." p.8  I think this particular quote expresses a perspective which cannot be "drummed" up but arises from belief in one's self and a willingness to see the future instead of constantly reviewing the past.

"Vision is about stirring and provoking, reminding and imagining.  It's (sic) about showing people the wonder of an improved future and infusing them with hope.  Vision is about creating a reason to believe again.  Vision is primarily nurtured through the stories we tell and the heroes we create in our organizations." p. 18

"This intersection of vision and reality may be one of the greatest tests of leadership.  It is having sober eyes and an optimistic spirit, and refusing to choose between the two." p. 35  I think this whole section is a Christianized and simplified version of what Jim Collins in Good to Great calls Brutal Honesty.