I
thought this is a very insightful book about leadership, especially comparing it to Jesus’ leadership style, one of self-motivation, vision, courage, dependence on God. Also, this particular leadership style shows how to nurture vision in others, make wise decisions, build a team, and put others first.
We don’t see a lot of this type of leadership anymore, especially in the corporate world, where it is “dog eat dog” and a “me first” attitude. That’s unfortunate for people who follow leaders, because everyone wants to be appreciated and rewarded for a job well done.
The author, Bill Perkins, threads throughout this book, the constant influence of Jesus and a Christian leadership, and for some it might be “overdoing it”, but I believe for a lot of others out there, it’d be welcomed encouragement and insight.
Being a leader is difficult, and as we always say, it’s “lonely at the top”, with very few people to relate to and share the day-to-day struggles and challenges of being a leader. But with this type of leadership, you are building a wonderful team, constantly seeking their insight, and everyone is moving towards the goal line together.
Even if you don’t adapt a lot of these principles, just utilizing one or two, will put you that much further ahead of the pack.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
