BOOK REVIEW // H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle
(this next section is a really long backstory of my history with reading...skip to the next emboldened words if you want to get to the meat of this post already).
This semester, I've been determined to spark my love for reading again and have started picking up books in my spare time. It's been so rejuvenating! I can't believe I spent so many months without diving into a book and absolutely devouring it. I used to be known as the bookworm girl in elementary and middle school. My librarians knew me by name and always let me know when there were new books arriving. I read entire aisles of books and always longed to find the next one that would swallow me up into a new world.
Since starting college and getting swamped by the realities of life (rent, bills, the cost of living, etc.), I've neglected my bookworm ways and deeply regret it. However, since starting reading again, I've noticed my taste in books have changed. While I'll always have a soft spot for fiction and mythical storylines (that's all I'll watch when it comes to TV right now), I've started reaching for...realistic books. The story of a boy who was forced to become a child soldier in Sierra Leone caught my attention. I barely made it through, but I finished it despite the tears that were prone to escaping my eyes. The history of women and those who questioned why they were not listened to is a recent find, and one that I'm captivated by. A fresh perspective on Christianity and how it's so much more than what many think it is was quickly devoured. Basically, I'm now interested in more intellectual based books and finally growing my knowledge of the world and how we view it.
Which is why I'm thrilled to be a part of the BookLook Bloggers team!
Just so you know, they are all books from Christian publishing houses, so that influence is quite present - which for me is incredibly refreshing. I want to find books that promote thoughtfulness and help me reach my own understanding of why I even believe what I believe.
For my first book, I decided to review Brad Lomenick's take on leadership and how to be an effective leader. Stereotypically, there are a lot of "feel good" styled books out there when it comes to Christian-influenced genres, and while that's nice and all...I want something more practical. I am ashamed to say that it seems as if Christians are never taken seriously because there are so many out there who don't speak with an intellectual understanding. And unfortunately, it's always those that have the loudest voice. While my faith is number one in my life, it does not mean I am stupid.
So! As someone who's rather timid in public and often has a hard time stepping up, I felt that H3 Leadership would be a good read that could help give me some insight.
So! As someone who's rather timid in public and often has a hard time stepping up, I felt that H3 Leadership would be a good read that could help give me some insight.
Here's my review on H3 Leadership:
Brad starts this book off by sharing his deteriorating leadership at Catalyst, a group formed with the goal of creating the next generation of Christian leaders. However, it took a sabbatical for him to realize just how much his original energy had lost its spark. Who was he if he was not involved in Catalyst?
By diving into who you are and who God designed you to be, Brad helps in distinguishing the difference between your calling (who you are) and your assignment (your current situation). The many chapters this section is broken down to are easily digested and help clarify what could be a complicated subject. We find that in developing leadership, you need to develop certain habits that will help you keep growing.
Section 2: Stay Hungry // Where Are You Going?
For this part of the book, Brad helps in establishing and outlining several habits that are going to keep leaders inspired and hungry to do more. By motivating yourself to innovate, to learn more, to stay ambitious, you will never stop growing into a strong leader that is very relevant to the world.
Section 3: Always Hustle // How Will You Get There?
This section was a little tougher to relate to my current situation in life, because Brad mainly focuses on business-like settings and working with a team as a leader. However, many of his points are still applicable, especially his section on developing a habit of generosity.
One of my favorite lines is found there, and I think it's something that would benefit everyone who is reading this:
"Are we changing the world, or just trying to make ourselves feel good? We have to fight against the idea of just wearing a wristband and feeling as if we've done something."
4 comments
It sounds like a great book!
I think your bit at the end about how we can all be leaders too is pretty good :) They changed our performance criteria at work to be more leadership focused, even if we weren't in leadership roles, and it sounded scary at first but you see how you do little bit of that through the day :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Wow, Section 1 really hits me! I've been thinking a lot about who I am as an individual and who God designed me to be, and I always thought of the two identities as synonymous until your post. Mind-blowing! I'm gonna need to check out this book to see what Brad Lomenick says. Great recommendation!
How To Be More Like Lauren
I was just like you when I was younger--I couldn't stop reading, whether it was entertaining age-group series, or thick classics (my competitive edge emerged early haha). Now that school has become so rigorous, I rarely have any time to read for something other than class. Last summer, however, I devoured several books, but I also noticed that they were all non-fiction, with some application. I couldn't get enough of running memoirs or Malcolm Gladwell (social psychologist).
Huge props to you for pursuing intellectual growth with these often-difficult reads, whether it's their depth, frankness, or both. I like the way you broke this book down for us, and I especially like that quotation--changing the world isn't about flaunting your actions; it really should be deeply and genuinely motivated.
Anyways, I apologize for being absolutely terrible on dropping by! I've been really touched by your recent comments and hope I can be more involved in the supportive blogging community now that I'm on break. I've loved learning more about you through your videos--your most recent makeup tutorial was flawless and the Kawaii box with the sushi gummy and poop lollipop was so quirky.
Praying that you have a relaxing holiday week full of love and joy!
imperfect idealist
You've had a lot on your LIFE plate! So I can understand how this got swept aside. I'm glad school is working out and you've adjusted well. Good for you in joining a book club. Great way to meet others and learn about some interesting books. Very helpful in life.
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