Never Blink in a Hailstorm and Other Lessons on Leadership by David L. McKenna


Never Blink in a Hailstorm and Other Lessons on Leadership
Title : Never Blink in a Hailstorm and Other Lessons on Leadership
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0801065402
ISBN-10 : 9780801065408
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 142
Publication : First published April 1, 2005

Leadership can be an exhilarating experience. But it also has its challenges. Leaders who cast visions, explore options, and take risks are also restricted by legal, ethical, organizational, and positional boundaries. When it comes to testing these boundaries, experience is key. Author David L. McKenna is a leadership expert with over thirty years of experience in leadership roles. Building off of his administrative positions at a variety of colleges and seminaries, McKenna now introduces fourteen maxims that all leaders should read. Drawing examples from the ultimate leader, Jesus Christ, McKenna imparts practical advice like, "Never hide behind a gas mask" and "Never play God." The advice in these short, catchy chapters will provide clarity and wisdom for pastors, church leaders, and any Christian who serves in a leadership role.

Never Blink in a Hailstorm and Other Lessons on Leadership Reviews

  • Reid Mccormick

    For several reasons, I love working in higher education. I plan on working in higher education for the rest of my working life and I love chatting with men and women who have served in higher education for many years. I have been very fortunate to have some great conversations with some very wise men and women. Their stories energize me and remind me of why I got into this field.

    When you read Never Blink in a Hailstorm it feels like you just had coffee with David McKenna.

    David McKenna became a college president at the tender age of thirty, thus he has spent a lifetime enduring the trials and tribulations of being a leader. In this book McKenna offers timeless advice summed up by twelve short adages.

    With ever adage starting with the word “never,” the book at first glance seems like it will be very negative, but as McKenna concludes, “Nothing is worse than trying to leave when the boundaries are hidden or freedom is fuzzy.”

    The book contains interesting stories, funny anecdotes, and most importantly solid wisdom. I felt like I received a lot more wisdom from this small book than the other leadership volumes I have read. Anyone interested in working in Christian higher education administration will enjoy this work.

    “If you can’t stand loneliness, stay away from leadership.”

  • Molly

    I've always wanted to read this book. David McKenna was the youngest president of a college in the US (at age 30 something). He was also president of Seattle Pacific University, where my father went.

    It's about the things a leader must never do. The title hooked me, although a list of "nevers" almost seemed cliche. The writing style was easygoing but the insights packed a punch. Points were emphasized by experience, and then held up against the ultimate model of leadership, Jesus Christ.

    I don't read a lot of books on leadership, but I liked this one. It was fresh. McKenna got me genuinely interested in what he had to say about leadership, his stories, other people's examples, and biblical principles. And I might forget most of the stuff in the book, but I have a handful of nuggets that I'm most likely not going to forget.

  • Andrew Neveils

    This was a great book! I read it and I laughed, was encouraged, challenged, and felt as though God was teaching me leadership qualities that would forever shape how I lead others.

    This book is a quick and enjoyable read, and it will challenge you. McKenna does not over-complicate the message but delivers it straightforward.