Leadership Jazz Review

Leadership Jazz Review

Romaine Newton, RN

Liberty University

Leadership Jazz is a transformational book that can enhance a leader’s ability to lead in any position. My primary position of leadership is as a parent. Mr. Depree’s observations on leadership can empower leaders to impact the teams that they lead. John Maxwell, a noted leadership expert, states that “leadership is influence. The way that we influence those around us is the essence of our leadership” (Maxwell, 1993).

A key concept of this book that enhances my lifestyle as a leader is that “leaders are accountable for the continuous renewal of the organization” (Depree, 2008). God gives us each a specific sphere of influence. My main sphere of influence at present is my family. As the mother of three sons, I feel a special responsibility to continually train them in the ways of connection to God and compassion toward people. As men, they are wired for achievement and conquest, yet God desires them to be balanced and integrated in their approach to life.

The core value of servant leadership must govern their approach to manhood, marriage, and mission. At work and at home they must learn not “to lord (harshly) over their families and teams.” (Matthew 20:25) I interpret this to mean that I must not take the position as a domineering mother; rather I must develop the God given graceful status of a strong and sensitive coach that can offer insight into marriage and parenthood. I must ask questions like: “how can I help them reach their full potential?”, “how can I set an example of servant leadership in my interaction with my children?”, and “how can I provide an environment of trust to enhance their development as leaders?”

In the chapter called, A Key Called Promise, Mr. Depree describes how leaders are to “define and express both in writing and, especially through behavior, the beliefs and values of the institution” (Depree, 2008). I believe that the core values of our faith are best communicated in the context of the family. As our families grow and participate in the greater community our values are communicated in our heritage and activities as well as in our attitude and actions. As a mother, I must be innovative and creative in the cross generational communication of our values.

A second concept that will equip my growth as leader is the chapter entitled God’s Mix. The author states,” First, I think leaders see our institutions, our families, our corporations, cross culturally” (Depree, 2008). As a child of the 1960’s, I have to understand that my sons are in different generational brackets, and then I must communicate timeless values in a contemporary