I'm reading two books right now on leadership,  On is Onward by Howard Schultz in which he describes the circumstances which led him back to being the CEO at Starbucks.  So far (about 1/3 through) there have been some interesting lessons about customer service and and general leadership.  Probably what has stood out the most is his passion for the company.  Passion is a powerful force and it is obvious that Schultz is deeply committed to Starbucks.  This kind of passion is one of the marks of level 5 leaders and requires more than many will be able to "pay."  It requires commitment and belief to something greater than ourselves.  So far I have found the story interesting and Schultz's passion and attempts to be even handed in addressing poor decisions commendable.  I have been inspired but I have also wondered how thick this book would have actually been if the self-validating stories were cut out.  Don't get me wrong, this is worth reading and discussing.  I'll share more as I get deeper into the book.

This is also the case for Joseph Michelli in the New Gold Standard.  This book describes how the Ritz Carlton Hotel chain came to be a leader in customer service and "5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Service Experience."  I'm about half way through this book and while parts of it delve into too much detail about issues that are too specific to the hotel business to be applicable, overall this is an must read for those truly interested in customer service.  Honestly, this is one of the areas, in my opinion, where leadership often falters.  The focus on the goal tends to neglect the ground gained and by so doing undercuts the ability to sustain long-term success.

Last week I had the chance to conduct a portion of the pre-conference for the annual conference of the Center for Research on Adult Learning (CRAL) as well as making a presentation in the conference itself.  I renewed friendships with colleagues I have met from other schools over the years and started some new friendships.  Probably the best part of the conference was the chance to spend significant time with Dave Phillips.  Dave is like my brother.  We met at a conference in Chicago several years ago and rarely see each other more than a few days once a year at conferences, yet there is always the sense that we have known each other forever.  Dave is a leader.  His contributions to NBC will be recorded in the history books as the prime factor in the longevity of that institution and it's impact upon the Nazarene denomination through online education.  He is a leader, yet he is quiet, unassuming and gracious.  He truly exemplifies the level 5 leader that Jim Collins talks about in Good to Great.  I know others who are touted as leaders who are pompous, obnoxious, and overbearing.  Their very demeanor is offensive and yet they are perceived as leaders because who else would have the audacity to give orders, make decisions, or make rude behavior their norm.  When will we say enough is enough?  The ends do NOT justify the means.

I have to say I'm pretty excited about the upcoming release of my book: Discipleship with James.  I've been working on this for at least 15 years and have finally gotten it all pulled together.  I am especially thankful to those who helped in the process.  In the early years it was Jennifer Epperhart and Lyndene Olson.  Here at the end is was Lynette Fagler and Renee Handy.  What a blessing each one has been

It never ceases to amaze me how interrelated the truths of scripture are with the practices of good leadership.  This is especially apparent in the book of James.  His practical approach to faith as it impacts the realities of every day living is something we need to be reminded of often. 

I have used the term "redemptive relationships" to describe this real-life faith.  I like the term because it focuses on the essence of life - relationships - and seeks to bring redemption into each relationship as we go throughout our day. 

If you would like to order a copy of this book, it will be available on Amazon sometime in July 2011.  The publisher, Tools to Lead, is also offering a pre-release price for orders received before July 15, 2011.