How Leaders Develop and How You Can Too! - Rated 
For 10 years I've used The Making of A Leader in my work developing leaders. First, the book has been instrumental in my own personal and leadership development. Second, I use the content in workshops and classes all over the world. The principles hold up well in a variety of cultural contexts. And never before have these principles and practices been more relevant than today!
In The Making of Leader, Dr. J. Robert Clinton documents his research of hundreds of leaders. Clinton discovered a generalized time-line consisting of six phases that represent the general flow of a leader's life. Development phases represent major segments of a leader's development. The six phases are:
1. Sovereign Foundations
2. Inner-life Growth
3. Ministry Maturity
4. Life Maturing
5. Convergence
6. Afterglow
Identifying phases gives a leader capacity to track progress in their development, and clarify insights and lessons. Armed with these patterns a leader has the ability to actually identify and develop leadership, character, vision, values, and relational skills. This is what separates Dr. Clinton's book from the rest of the leadership genre; he actually provides the tools to develop a leader, not just talk about what one is or does.
Each chapter covers roughly one development phase. Inside each phase we learn that there are Process Items that are specific types of challenges leaders typically will face during each phase. By identifying Process Items, leaders are armed with the means to see beyond their immediate circumstances to what the underlaying developmental lesson might be. I've been using these Process Items for years in my own life and in coaching other leaders to grow. They are tremendously helpful!
Just so you don't think this is just a how-to book, let me say that this book often invokes a deep spiritual response from leaders. It's as if leaders gain perspective on their circumstance and see patterns of development-or lack of development-with new eyes.
This book is written, of course, from a Christian perspective and for Christian leaders. But the appeal of the book goes far beyond just this segment of the population. Dr. Clinton offers a useful grid for recognizing the lessons and patterns of leadership development.
If you desire to be equipped with the tools to develop leaders, then this book is for you!
Any leader/upcoming leader could benefit from reading - Rated
Five stars? Yup... because a study of "The Making of a Leader" by J Robert Clinton may revolutionize your view of leadership and what it means to be led. It did for me. This book focuses on Christian leadership, outlining the lives of known leaders and how God developed them to do what He needed them to do. It provides an honest, challenging and humbling understanding the responsibilities of being a leader, and how to develop a sucessor. This is for serious students of God who do not depend on 'rah-rah' leadership, but deep, life-long goals. Similarly, this isn't a PK-style look at leadership, though it comes from an evangelical understanding of God. However, PK fans might see this as a bigger, next step in a long journey. The focus is about serving Christ, about being lead by Him, and in turn, in obedience, leading others to serve Him. I read it in the context of a Wheaton College masters-level missions course. However, it is accessible as a practical life tool, far outside any classroom. Dr. Clinton is a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary in Dallas, USA. I fully recommend "The Making of a Leader." Anthony Trendl
Great aggregation of time-proven principles and insights - Rated
Dr. Clinton applies an analytical, engineering mind to historical and spiritual truths. He puts struggles, trials as well as victories and advancements into a very organized perspective. This is not light reading, as he forewarns people at the beginning. The terminology alone warrants the keeping of a finger in the glossary at all times. If you are a leader or know and support one, the book will be solid encouragement and a source of peace during all that you go through on the way to glory. It both challenges and heals. God's hand and purpose are seen at each juncture and circumstance. I'm buying other copies to give to other leader friends because of its wisdom and long-term effect. A wonderful reference by a very thoughtful and blessed person.
Outstanding read in the land of leadership books! - Rated
Tired of same ol' tired lines on leadership? This book can easily become a favorite reference for leaders. Especially those leaders who are investing their time in mentoring others. It is directed to people in ministry, but the principles are truly universal. Dr. Clinton goes beyond "6 easy steps to leading" and offers a profound basis for , not just filling positions. I enjoy reading it over and over...fresh insights each time. The charts and timelines, graphs and personal illustrations make it readable and not stuffy. This book is meant to be read...not just owned! Enjoy the feast! :)
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