If you have ever asked yourself why you do what you do, or wondered what your purpose is in leadership or in life, this book is for you. Whether you’re leading in business, sports, or in your own family, this inspiring story will show you how to take the first—and most important—step in becoming the leader you were meant to be.
A Journey into the Heart of Leadership Although he’s one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in Kentucky’s history, Steve Rocker, for the first time in his life, is falling short of expectations. His players have lost their will to win, their love for their teammates, and their passion to play. Coach Rocker’s motivational methods that have always worked before— and have resulted in his success—are now failing, and he doesn’t know why.
Struggling to understand what’s happening, Coach seeks the counsel of one of his most successful friends, CEO Grant Steffin, who, while fighting his own battles, offers advice based on his own leadership experiences. Coach Rocker also stumbles upon some unexpected insight from—of all people—Joe Taylor, the high school janitor.
As Coach’s season spirals downward, and as he continues to interact with these two intriguing men, the why questions become louder and louder in his head. Why does he do what he does? Or for that matter, why does he even exist? These questions eventually push him to go deeper into his own heart than he ever imagined possible to determine his purpose not only in leadership but also in life.
A captivating story that will help you find your purpose in leadership and in life.
Todd Gongwer has spent nearly twenty years developing his expertise in leadership, team, and cultural dynamics. He has held executive-level positions in companies ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to public entities. Todd also served as an assistant college basketball coach for over a decade. He lives in Indiana with his wife, Traci, and their two wonderful children, Kaden and Kira. Visit www.leadforgodsake.com to learn more about bringing the message of this book to your organization.
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This is a book I could not put down. Every parent, coach, manager, and leader should read it. I wish I had read it 30 years ago.
by Lou Holtz
One of the most powerful books I have ever read.
by Urban Meyer
I could not put this book down. It transcends culture, gender, economics something that anyone can relate to. What a message!
by Mony Williams, Head coach, New Orleans Hornets
This wonderful parable really speaks to your heart, I couldn’t put it down. Todd has done a masterful job of condensing servant leadership into simple and applicable truths.
by Wally Armstrong, Lifetime PGA tour member
A real life changer! An incredible story packed with great leadership insights. Coaches, parents, and business leaders alike will benefit from reading this book.
by Mark Merrill, President, Family First (All Pro Dad); host, Family Minute radio show
As a business leader I found its takeaways right on target—touching life where the rubber meets the road. I wasn’t able to put it down.
by John D. Beckett, Chairman, The Beckett Companies; author, Loving Monday
I wish this book had been available to my business students and practitioners over the last twenty-five years. It’s that good!
by Dr. John Mulford, Former dean of the school of business, Regent University
If you’ve ever asked yourself why you do what you do, or wondered what your purpose is in life, this book is for you. The lives of an intensely-driven basketball coach, an ultra-successful CEO, and an unassuming janitor all intersect in this captivating parable about leadership, relationships, and the pursuit of success. An unforgettable story packed with profound truths, LEAD . . . for God’s Sake! will challenge you to think deeply about who you are as a leader, what success means to you, and why you do what you do. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or your own family, this book is the first and most important step to becoming the leader you were meant to be.
Shondra Brown
I have been reluctant to read this book for many months, not fully understanding what it was. The author is from the small town we live in, and actually attends the same church as my family (their children are in my children's classes at school as well). While there has been much hype in our area since the release of the book, it was never one I intended to purchase, I thought it was a "self-help" book of sorts. Then it became available through one of the company's I do book reviews for, so I thought I would give it a try. While the beginning was a bit rough for me (some choice language is sprinkled through out the first few chapters), I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Needless to say, I immediately handed it off to my husband, who is an elementary school teacher and basketball coach, and told him it is a "must read"! While the book does deal with leadership and "self help" issues, it felt more like a fiction story I was reading, which is right up my alley! Coach Rocker is dealing with many issues that are relevant in marriages today, and seems to be going through much more in his job as well. He struggles in many areas, and at times is just trying to stay afloat. How can he be the leader others expect him to be, when he doesn't even have his own life in order? The one storyline I couldn't get enough of was that of Joe, the Janitor. What a special and unique man he represented! Through the relationships that are formed, we are taken deeper in to the life of Joe, and find out how he became the man that he is today. On the surface, Joe seems to be your average blue collar worker, but after spending several minutes with him, you learn there is so much more to who he is. If you're looking for a great book to read, and glean some wonderful leadership advice from, then this book is for you! Even as a stay at home mom (who leads a girl scout group, coaches Upward Cheerleading, and works with children at church) there were so many take-a ways from this book for me. Everyone needs a "Joe" in their life, teaching them what it means to be a leader, and more importantly, a child of God. I enthusiastically give this book 5 stars! It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for that special someone in your life!