As the title implies, this piece is not about leading from a position of weakness.

Rather, it is about leading in a manner where we resist the urge to pre-package our public personas.

We should instead lead others from the very places within ourselves where we too require guidance.

This approach to leadership challenges the traditional notion of a leader as someone who has all the answers and is always in control.

By being authentic and vulnerable, leaders can create a more inclusive and collaborative environment.

When we show others that we are also on a journey of growth and learning, they are more likely to trust us and follow our lead.

In this way, we can lead by example and inspire others to reach their full potential.

Leading from a place of authenticity and vulnerability is not easy, but it is essential for creating positive change and building strong, sustainable organizations.

The author, a Professor of Counseling Psychology at The Seattle School, emphasizes that leading is extremely difficult and perhaps the costliest endeavor one can undertake. He writes that by facing, naming, and dealing with our failures as leaders, we can create an environment that is conducive to the growth and retention of productive and committed colleagues. We must acknowledge and embrace our weaknesses, as good can emerge from them.

The author states that when we have the courage to name our fears, we gain greater confidence and far more trust from others. Leading with a limp operates through inversion and paradox. He writes that we are the strongest when we are weak and the most courageous when we are broken.

Leaders are called to lead with character, and the purpose of limping leadership is the maturing of character. A leader is anyone who grapples with an uncertain future on behalf of others and uses their gifts, talents, and skills to influence the direction of others for the greater good. The author tells leaders to be prepared to admit to their staff that they are the organization's chief sinner. He describes God's leadership model as choosing fools to live foolishly to reveal the economy of heaven, which reverses and inverts the wisdom of this world. God calls us to brokenness, relationships, and grace, not performance, commotion, or success.

The author addresses numerous topics related to leadership, including being a reluctant leader (another term for a servant leader), counting the cost of leadership, isolation, loneliness, weariness, stories, chaos, blame, crisis, shame, a broken leader, confidence, courage, being a fool, betrayal, a narcissistic leader, gratitude, hiding, truth, honesty, busyness, disillusionment, hope, character, awe, dignity, depravity, and the three offices of leadership (prophet, priest, and king).

Throughout the book, the author shares helpful stories from the Bible, his own life, and others. "Leading With a Limp" is likely to be different from any leadership book you have read before. It would be beneficial to read it slowly and discuss it with others.

Here are some additional quotes from the book:

"The reluctant leader doesn't just give praise to others. It is her genuine joy to see others awaken to their potential and surpass their greatest dreams."

"We all need a model. We all need to learn how to lead by observing someone we respect."

"God loves reluctant leaders, and even more so, he loves reluctant leaders who are aware of their fear, confusion, and brokenness. In fact, he seems to have a special affinity for rebels and fools."

"Leaders are primarily storytellers and story creators; and troubled people are called to be leaders because they create and tell compelling stories."

"Most leaders had no intention or desire to lead; instead, they were thrust into the situation due to discontent. If they had been willing to endure life as it was, they would never have become leaders."

"A controlling leader always gets what he deserves - the bare minimum and conformity without creativity."

"The only viable option for leaders who wish to mature is to embrace being broken."

"Betrayal is inevitable; what is uncertain is how we will embrace it and use it for the growth of our character."

"When you live and lead with a profound sense of God's grace, you cannot escape gratitude. It is humbling to give God all the credit, and it is also a place of deep rest."

"A leadership team is meant to be a community of friends who share in each other's suffering and delight."

"The sole reason to serve as a Christian is Jesus, yet he is easily lost in the various activities that consume our days. The real cost of busyness, therefore, is the loss of our spiritual vitality."

"Leaders seldom take on their burdens merely to maintain the status quo. A true visionary pursues a dream that she can transform what exists and create a better way."

"The hope that rejuvenates and refreshes limping leaders comes with the freedom of knowing one's limitations. When you admit that you can't do everything, you are then free to more fully embrace the call of God."

"God calls leaders to be servants. And we are to lead our organizations from good to great by serving, by giving credit to others when success occurs, and by accepting the blame when failure follows."

"A leader - whether in the home, church, business, community, or government - has authority due to her role, but her positional power will not bring about good for individuals or organizations unless it is supported by the capital of character."

"Leading people requires immersing yourself in a fragile and tension-filled process to help them not only do their jobs and fulfill the organization's mission but also grow as individuals with character."

Honestly is truly the best leadership book that I have ever had the pleasure of reading!

It offers a wealth of valuable insights and practical advice on what it takes to be an effective leader.

The author's writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making the concepts presented in the book accessible to readers from all walks of life.

One of the things that I loved most about this book is how it emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in leadership.

The author makes a compelling argument that leaders who are honest with themselves and their teams are more likely to build trust, inspire loyalty, and achieve success.

Overall, I would highly recommend Honestly to anyone who is interested in improving their leadership skills or simply wants to read a great book about leadership.

A leadership expert I am not.

However, this book, "Leading with a Limp", feels like one of the best practical pictures of Biblical leadership I've ever read.

It delves into the tensions that come with leading and the deepest fears we associate with it.

Unlike many books that apply business principles, this one is written by a leader who openly professes to be weak.

God has a way of drawing reluctant leaders into difficult situations because He loves to use people.

And He works through those who are aware of their own weaknesses.

The premise of this book goes against the grain of the majority of leadership books I've read.

It is refreshingly honest and forthcoming about what leaders truly face, especially in the Christian context.

I simply couldn't recommend it more highly.

I will treasure the insights it offers for years to come and hope to have the courage to boldly move toward my weaknesses, relying on the strength that Christ provides.

This book has truly been a game-changer for me in my understanding of leadership.

Although it might seem that the book is written in a language that is perhaps a bit too religious or "Christianese" for some, I truly found its central premise to be quite captivating.

The idea that a healthy leader is someone who has not only recognized their greatest weakness but also wholeheartedly embraced it really struck a chord with me.

I often find myself hiding behind my perfectionistic and performative masks, trying to cover up my deep-seated fears.

Reading about this alternative approach was truly inspiring. It's not an easy path, by any means, but it offers a more life-giving and fulfilling way of being.

It made me realize that perhaps we should all strive to be more honest with ourselves about our weaknesses and instead of trying to hide them, find ways to turn them into strengths.

This book has given me a new perspective on leadership and on myself, and I am grateful for the insights it has provided.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a different way of approaching leadership and personal growth.

Betrayal is a profound psychic wound that has the power to harden the heart against grief and deaden its longing for intimacy. It mainly presents itself in one of two forms: abandonment or abuse.

Regarding the task of ministry, the questions arise: "What keeps you going? What encourages you? Why would you stay in this madness when you could earn a living elsewhere?" For many years, she exemplified maturity and a passion for the Gospel. When I inquired why she was asking such questions, she replied, "I'm on the verge of quitting almost every day. I just wanted to know how you manage to remain faithful for another day." The risk involved seems absurd. The obstacles are encountered daily. Former employees spread lies and engage in gossip or even threaten to sue. Current employees are hesitant to take the necessary risks. Leading others is like a house of mirrors and a madhouse, a three-ring circus combined with an animal farm and a firefight. One has to decide how he will lead.

Dan Allender truly has an extraordinary way with words.

Perhaps it is due to the fact that his intense nature deeply resonates with my heart as a fellow Enneagram 8.

Every time I listen to or read his words, I am always left with a great deal to think about.

It's as if he has a special ability to see right into my soul and understand my deepest emotions and struggles.

His words have a profound impact on me, making me feel seen, heard, and understood in a way that few others can.

Whether it's through his books, lectures, or counseling sessions, Dan Allender has a unique gift for communicating in a way that touches the hearts and minds of those who encounter him.

I am truly grateful to have come across his work and to have been able to learn from his wisdom and insights.

His words continue to inspire and challenge me, helping me to grow and become a better version of myself.

Running the Race

Just like other remarkable books penned by Dan Allendar, this particular volume is truly engaging. It is written in a style that effortlessly grabs the reader's attention and keeps them hooked from start to finish. The author has once again managed to fulfill all the expectations that one has of a book in terms of thoroughness, depth, and honesty. The topic covered in this book is not something that one would typically expect, and yet, it surprises at times in the most pleasant of ways. Every page turn reveals new insights and perspectives that are both thought-provoking and rewarding. It is a book that not only entertains but also enriches the reader's understanding of the subject matter. Whether you are a fan of Dan Allendar's work or simply looking for a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

There are lots of nuggets of wisdom in here.

These words of wisdom are truly very encouraging.

They have the power to inspire and motivate us.

Each nugget holds a valuable lesson or piece of advice that can help us in our lives.

Whether it's about facing challenges, achieving our goals, or simply finding happiness, these words offer guidance and support.

They remind us that we are not alone in our journey and that there are always people and resources available to help us.

By taking these nuggets of wisdom to heart, we can make positive changes in our lives and become the best version of ourselves.

So, let's embrace these words and use them as a source of strength and inspiration.

After all, they have the potential to transform our lives for the better.

Great insight is provided into the art of leading as a person who is made in the image of God yet is a sinner. In the church, in ministry, and in general, far too many leaders treat their positions as if they are infallible. However, to be consistent with the faith, we must recognize that leaders too are tainted by sin. We cannot deny this in the way we lead; otherwise, we are presenting a false image of ourselves. This book strikes a fine balance between the positions of leadership that people are given by God and the reality that we are fallen. It guides us to walk in humility and lead others to the Savior. It helps us understand that leadership is not about being perfect but about acknowledging our flaws and still striving to lead in a way that honors God and points others to His grace. By doing so, we can truly fulfill the role of a leader as intended by God.

The primary lesson of this book is that one should be open about their weaknesses and allow them to drive their leadership style.

Covering up, hiding, or compensating for weakness are the main failures of most leaders today. There is indeed good wisdom here, but there is an aura of defensiveness that pervades the book.

Allender almost speaks as if firing people is at the center of strong leadership, and having bad things said about you is the main consequence of being a good leader.

After reading the book, I went back through it and took notes on the practical advice that he gives for staying humble and broken as a leader. However, the overall tone did turn me off.

Note: After reading this book, I conducted a little research on Allender and Mars Hill Graduate School (now the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology). It turns out that he was in the midst of defending a sexual discrimination lawsuit against the school when he wrote this book, and the plaintiff, a former professor and founding member, won a judgment against the school.

When the judgment was declared, after this book had been published, Allender made several public statements that appear almost certainly to be untrue, and many others that seemed somewhat mean-spirited and defensive.

I don't know if this affects the book at all, but it appeared that his own strategy in trial was quite different from what he preached here.

Perhaps this discrepancy between his actions and his words casts a shadow over the credibility of the book's teachings.

It makes one question whether the advice given is truly reliable or if it is simply a front to cover up his own shortcomings.

Nonetheless, there may still be some valuable insights to be gained from the book, but one must approach it with a critical eye.

A few years ago, I was under the impression that I had already cultivated the necessary character to assume most leadership positions. I believed that what I required was the development of strategic thinking, technical skills, and opportunities. However, I soon discovered how incorrect my assumption was. I came to realize that I was severely lacking in almost all character traits.

Dan Allender truthfully and incisively refutes the ideas you may have about leadership. It is truly about entering a new role where God will refine your character. Allender's thesis is that by being vulnerable, sharing your weaknesses, and admitting your failures, leaders not only enhance their own character but also that of those around them. Many leaders, myself included, fail to recognize that by choosing to lead, you are also choosing a period of intense personal growth. Living in the public eye has magnified my flaws and personal failures.

The author presents a crucial solution to this problem. What we urgently need is to see the truth about ourselves (our failures and shortcomings) and the truth of the Gospel (God's amazing love and kindness towards sinners). When we see this, we can truly function as the "chief sinner," or the one who leads by living a more open and public sanctification process. I was deeply moved by Allender's reflection on the story of Jacob wrestling with God. Jacob injures his leg in the process and is left with a limp. "Embrace the limp. It slows you down, invites quiet, and focuses your energy on pleasing the Lord." "If we open ourselves to encounter God, he will meet us, and we'll walk away with an unpredictable gait." The limp symbolizes the sin struggles and failures that are visible to those we lead. Based on my own experience, I know that Dan is correct. When we admit our shortcomings and encourage those we lead to follow our example, we create better environments for growth, both for ourselves and for our followers. Read this book!