The Encore Effect (A book review)

I love books about leadership. Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, Rick Warren, and John Maxwell are some of my favorite authors in this area, especially with regards to leadership in ministry. Which is what I do, full time. Part of the curriculum I draw from at Teen Challenge includes a book by Mark Sanborn called "The Fred Factor". Although it was a short read, I was challenged, and blessed by it. The crux of it's message? In my opinion: Excellence in ministry. Time is short, so lets do the absolute best we can in work, family, relationships, evangelism and career. Mark's book "The Encore Effect" follows the same point.

Let's face it. We are all burned out on performance. especially as men. Especially as leaders. I agree wholeheartedly that the church, and leaders of all fields, have needed to take a well rounded look at how "performance" and being "driven" has left lots of pastors and leaders burned out, irritated and grossly religious. I also agree that a mind set of "work work work" has left a lot of us finding our identity in what we can do and not on who God says we are.

However! In our passion of dumping the payload of "works" and "performance" we unfortunately dumped off concepts of "excellence" and "diligence" and even "sacrifice."

The point of this book is not to discuss performance verses excellence, but the importance of excellence itself. Romans 12:8 commands that those with the spiritual gift of leadership should lead with all diligence, and I couldn't agree more.

The Encore Effect challenged me to "raise the bar" in the area's where I am called to serve. The key word here is "serve". Mark has a great way of combining inspirational stories, and his own thoughts on leadership to encourage the reader to "go the extra mile".

I think we all know that our mandate is to please God and not men, but we must realize that excellence in service, in attitude, and yes, performance are important to God, and can profoundly effect those around us, whether in the marketplace, work or at home, it is clear that God would have us to possess, "a spirit of excellence" as Daniel did.

Anyway, I recommend this book to any leader looking to get into the the service of the Kingdom.

Pick it up today

http://www.marksanborn.com/store/The-Encore-Effect-p-1-c-254.html