The Next Generation Leader

While both of my supervisors are gone, I was asked by one of them to write a summary of the book "The Next Generation Leader" by Andy Stanley and while this was a little bit of a challenge since the book was 15 chapters long broken down into 5 sections, I later realized that there was some common aspects to what was being said. However, the end of the book summarized it up as best as it could be and I wanted to share what I got from the book with you guys since it's a great book and I think any leader should read it! (However, I was also a leadership studies minor so I enjoy learning about leadership especially when it goes along with my faith and God!)

Book summary:

In the epilogue, it gives the best summary of what the Next Generation Leader talks about which is, “You must discover and play to your strengths and delegate your weaknesses. You’ve got to be courageous, and you've got to be clear in the midst of uncertainty. You need to find a leadership coach. And along the way it is absolutely essential that you maintain your character.”

Section summary:

Section 1: become more mission driven rather than need driven, do what only you can do, do what you’re good at rather than just what you’re willing to do, don’t attempt to do everything, and play on your strengths.

Section 2: move forward even when fear is present, speak up rather than keep silent, take chances, see and seize opportunities, be willing to go first, trust that God’s with you, be able to say no, face current reality, and dream.

Section 3: learn to thrive in uncertain environment since uncertainty will always exist, be clear and confident, and seek counsel.

Section 4: continue learning, seek advise from those around you that have more experience than you, find someone that is willing to give you feedback on your performance and grow/learn from them.

Section 5: character is the will to do what’s right even when it’s hard, live out what you preach, trust God to control the outcomes rather than allowing the world to control the outcomes, and have the courage to do what’s right even when it’s hard

My Overall summary:

Be the leader and person that God has made you to be rather than trying to be someone that you aren’t. Build on the strengths and gifts that God has given you rather than trying to do things that you’re not wired to do. Speak up and find your voice rather than remain quiet. Allow others to show you what you may not see in yourself or the job that you are doing. Trust God with the choices made and the outcomes since uncertainty will always be present but so will God.


So, how are YOU going to live out being the next generation leader?