BOOK REVIEW: The Mentor Leader, by Tony Dungy

In my second review of a Tony Dungy book, The Mentor Leader, takes a focused approach to the valuable attributes of a mentor leader.  Looking at eight different sides of this unique approach to leadership, Tony makes the case for a very humble style of leadership, while citing stories from various heroes of the football arena.  Most of the stories are found here, so the application takes some stretching for women, mothers or anyone not involved or interested in football.  Yet I did find it an interesting read, with valuable points to share.  The very servant-esque element of his approach is probably what I related to most, and the stories were a bonus.  For example, “If you do it right, as a mentor leader you may make it all but impossible for other people to give you credit.”  Amazing.  He even argues that character (off the field especially) matters, in contributing to your personal, leadership and team’s success.  Refreshing.

Each chapter is concluded with several thought-provoking questions, or action points to make the learning process functional.

I would recommend this book to a very-sports-oriented team player, and aspiring leader to bring Tony’s perspective home.

This review was completed with a library copy, for the Tyndale Summer Reading Program, which you can join also!

RESOURCES:

Tony Dungy website

bio

podcast

blog

BOOK REVIEW: The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge, by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker, with free book giveaway!

To start off your new year strong, you may consider an excellent new devotional for men by Tony Dungy: The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge.  Each day of the year is given a story, primarily sports-related, but with pithy spiritual insights, and (the uncommon part), a key principle to put into action that day.

VIDEO SITE:

the-one-year-uncommon-life-daily-challenge

For example, December 14th (the day I received this copy) includes the text of I John 4:7-8, 12  and a story of Tony’s friend James Brown.  “JB believes that every person is a valuable and special child of God.  And JB acts like he believes it.”  Summarizing, the Uncommon Key recommends “Spend time with the people God brings into your life today….”  As you can see, this is a simple and straightforward devotional for men who seek to begin living their faith, or need a basic push in that direction.  This will not contain deep theology, only practical living examples.  But for most of us, that’s the Jesus we are supposed to be: real.

In that vein, I recommend this devotional, and offer a free copy to the person giving the 5th comment.

This book was provided freely to me by Tyndale Publishers, in exchange for my candid review and giveaway (you get a new book, not my copy!)

Resources:

Tony Dungy personal website and challenge

Amazon page of Tony

Tyndale Publishers