Partial profile · Book Profile — full narrative profile planned
Practicing Greatness 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary
Great spiritual leaders self-select into greatness by consciously and intentionally practicing seven lifelong disciplines that shape both their character and competence.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
Drawing on decades of coaching thousands of Christian leaders, Reggie McNeal argues that greatness in spiritual leadership is not a matter of position, fame, or luck but a self-determined journey earned through the deliberate practice of seven disciplines: self-awareness, self-management, self-development, mission, decision making, belonging, and aloneness. Redefining greatness in the way Jesus did—as humility and service that blesses others and leaves people better off—McNeal liberates leaders from the false belief that ambition is unspiritual and equips them with hard-hitting, practical guidance for developing extraordinary character and exceptional competence over time. Filled with vivid case studies of leaders who thrived and derailed, the book is both an invitation and a challenge to escape self-imposed mediocrity and choose greatness for the sake of God's kingdom and the people leaders serve.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A spiritual leader—pastor, ministry leader, or leader in any sector—who wants to move beyond being merely good to becoming genuinely great and to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of the people they lead.
- The problem
- Many leaders derail, burn out, or plateau because they lack self-awareness, self-management, and the disciplines that produce extraordinary character and competence. Leaders feel trapped by others' expectations, haunted by fear and mediocrity, and unsure whether it is even appropriate to aspire to greatness.
- The plan
- Cultivate self-awareness by digging into your family of origin, personal markers, and dark side.
- Practice self-management of emotions, expectations, temptations, health, and money.
- Commit to lifelong learning and build on your God-given strengths.
- Discover and order your life around your mission, call, passion, talent, and personality.
- Make good decisions and debrief them to learn and grow.
- The payoff
- The leader blesses people, inspires and encourages them, and leaves them better off. · The leader is at home with themselves and with God, secure in identity and mission. · The leader experiences meaning, excellence, energy, and intentionality, avoiding burnout and derailment.
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Additional reading
- Boundaries · Henry Cloud and Steve Townsend
Referenced by the author to explain the critical concept of personal and professional boundaries, which is a key component of the Discipline of Self-Management.
- Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership · Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima
Cited as the source for the typology of five 'dark-side' leader types, crucial for the discussion on the Discipline of Self-Awareness.
- Now, Discover Your Strengths · Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton
Recommended for its exploration of the Gallup StrengthsFinder, aligning with the book's emphasis on building on strengths as part of the Discipline of Self-Development.
- The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church · Reggie McNeal
The author's own prior work, which is referenced for its in-depth treatment of the 'tough questions' leaders must ask to shift from an institutional to a missional mindset.
- A Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders · Reggie McNeal
The author's previous book, which lays some of the groundwork for the themes of personal formation and God's shaping work discussed in 'Practicing Greatness'.