book review :: unleashing the POWER of rubber bands
I've recently had the opportunity to review the latest book from author Nancy Ortberg which is curiously titled unleashing the POWER of rubber bands: lessons in non-linear leadership. As Ortberg's second book, rubber bands takes an unusual (and sometimes uncomfortable for us linear-types) approach to discussing leadership.
Ortberg states that, "early in [her] career [she] learned that [her] understanding of people would rival [her] job competencies in determining [her] leadership success." This is an important point that we should all pay attention to, and is the main theme of rubber bands. Ortberg continues that "this book is a consolidation of what [she has] learned through success and failure, as well as what [she] deeply believe[s] to be true of great leadership." Ortberg accomplishes her mission in this by practicing exactly what she preaches... by telling stories.
Through her storytelling, she illustrates over and over again how leaders should stretch their teams. She uses personal experiences to build on her idea of how success comes through allowing people the opportunity to be who God designed them to be, but not pushing them beyond what they can handle. This is the core idea of the book and the inspiration for the name. "Stretch your team too far and they'll snap. Don't stretch them far enough and they'll never realize their full potential. Kind of like rubber bands."
Ortberg has the track record to back up what she teaches as well. She is a founding partner of Teamworx2, a successful business and leadership consulting firm. She is also a former Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, where her husband (and author) John Ortberg has also served as a Teaching Pastor for several years. And Ortberg writes directly from her own experiences in various leadership (and non-leadership) roles and experiences.
This book offers a unique insight into the world of leadership. I have found chapter after chapter not only to be full of valuable insights, but also quite challenging to me in my own leadership experiences. Ortberg's work stays away from providing a step-by-step checklist that tells us how to be a better leader, but rather uses story to illustrate and inspire greatness. As I read the book, I can easily identify with the stories and people involved. I regularly find myself wrapped up in these experiences, and walk away better for having "been there." I strongly recommend this book for everyone who wants to fulfill their God-given responsibility to lead others.
Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-linear Leadership
By Nancy Ortberg / Tyndale House
Consultant, coach, and columnist Nancy Ortberg offers an insightful look at the qualities, attributes, and practices that turn ordinary leaders into extraordinary ones! Her unique perspective on vision casting; managing tensions; nurturing healthy conflict; motivating others; and fostering creativity, passion, and trust will bring out the best in even the most seasoned leaders. 256 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.
Ortberg states that, "early in [her] career [she] learned that [her] understanding of people would rival [her] job competencies in determining [her] leadership success." This is an important point that we should all pay attention to, and is the main theme of rubber bands. Ortberg continues that "this book is a consolidation of what [she has] learned through success and failure, as well as what [she] deeply believe[s] to be true of great leadership." Ortberg accomplishes her mission in this by practicing exactly what she preaches... by telling stories.Through her storytelling, she illustrates over and over again how leaders should stretch their teams. She uses personal experiences to build on her idea of how success comes through allowing people the opportunity to be who God designed them to be, but not pushing them beyond what they can handle. This is the core idea of the book and the inspiration for the name. "Stretch your team too far and they'll snap. Don't stretch them far enough and they'll never realize their full potential. Kind of like rubber bands."
Ortberg has the track record to back up what she teaches as well. She is a founding partner of Teamworx2, a successful business and leadership consulting firm. She is also a former Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, where her husband (and author) John Ortberg has also served as a Teaching Pastor for several years. And Ortberg writes directly from her own experiences in various leadership (and non-leadership) roles and experiences.
This book offers a unique insight into the world of leadership. I have found chapter after chapter not only to be full of valuable insights, but also quite challenging to me in my own leadership experiences. Ortberg's work stays away from providing a step-by-step checklist that tells us how to be a better leader, but rather uses story to illustrate and inspire greatness. As I read the book, I can easily identify with the stories and people involved. I regularly find myself wrapped up in these experiences, and walk away better for having "been there." I strongly recommend this book for everyone who wants to fulfill their God-given responsibility to lead others.
Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-linear LeadershipBy Nancy Ortberg / Tyndale House
Consultant, coach, and columnist Nancy Ortberg offers an insightful look at the qualities, attributes, and practices that turn ordinary leaders into extraordinary ones! Her unique perspective on vision casting; managing tensions; nurturing healthy conflict; motivating others; and fostering creativity, passion, and trust will bring out the best in even the most seasoned leaders. 256 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.
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Wow it truly sounds like a book that gives you something back from reading it.
Did that make sense? Leticia
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That makes complete sense, and I agree with you. Having read the book, I have found it to be very inspiring. I always walked away with new ideas on how to handle different situations after reading a chapter or two. It certainly is "well worth the sticker price"!
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Dan, Do I get extra credit for the contest because I've already made a comment?
Anyways, I'm in.
OK, so we need to have a good read of people to stretch them but know when to stop so they don't go over the edge? That's sound advice. My take-away here is STRETCH. You know your stongest players by how they respond when you push and stretch them. The future leaders can take it on, figure it out, not whine about it, know how and when to get advice, and then get it done.
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Bradley... you are in for the book giveaway. Extra credit though? Maybe I'll put a chocolate chip cookie in the book for you (if you win), sound good?
Regarding your observations, you are absolutely right. I had a boss that always gave me projects that took me just a little further beyond what I knew that I could already do. He provided me an opportunity to stretch, but never broke me. I look back on that time as one of my greatest times of professional growth ever. I'm glad that he already got this concept before Nancy wrote about it.
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