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Rating (5 Rising Suns is a must read - 1 Rising Sun is low interest in reading)

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Review
Like many other folks, we had mixed reactions to this book - particularly in terms of its biblical and/or religious interpretation. However, for the purpose of this review, we will focus our attention on its value for leaders.

The purpose of the book is to share the author's (Laurie Beth Jones) perspective of Jesus Christ, not as a religious leader, but rather as an executive leader. Jones shares her insights in a series of 85 brief chapters of approximately 3-4 pages each. Each chapter concludes with a series of questions designed to get the reader thinking about ways to apply the principles shared in that chapter.

Although often very simple, the lessons shared in the book are clearly aimed at what we believe to be the heart and foundation of successful leadership. The main strengths of the book are the questions at the end of each chapter and the affirmations at the end of the book.

Given the easy reading and length of the individual chapters, we find this book to be a good resource for a leader looking to understand the heart of leadership.

Summary of Main Points
According to Jones, the lessons to be learned from Jesus: CEO are: 1) Strength of Self-Mastery, 2) Strength of Action, and 3) Strength of Relationships.

In terms of self-mastery, Jones describes the great leader as one who is genuine, tenacious, grateful and passionate. She describes this leader as one with a great sense of destiny and one who knows and understands the importance of celebration. She describes the leader with strength of action as one who understands the value of having a dream or vision, setting goals, developing a plan, and taking action to see that the plan gets accomplished. As for strength of relationships, Jones describes this leader as one who sees a purpose greater them themselves. One who can inspire others to follow. One who enjoys being with others, is positive and affirmative with others, and ultimately, one who loves others. Naturally, the greatest of our leaders are those who can consistently demonstrate all three.

It is Jones' contention that in today's world, as in the past, values are more important than skills and people are more important than productivity. The book concludes with eight (8) pages of "Affirmations for Leaders," including such affirmations as:

* I have learned in my wilderness what my strengths are. I use "desert times" to get clearer on my calling and my true goals.

* I see things differently and am always willing to look at situations in a new and enlivening ways.

* I spend lots of time with my staff, knowing that life, love and laughter are learned through osmosis.

* I see my work with people as being my greatest joy, my greatest gift, and my greatest accomplishment.

* I serve others, knowing that service is a circle: When I serve others, I too shall be served.

* I look for ways to advance and enhance the life of everyone I know.

* I have a sense of destiny. I am destined to succeed.

* I know nobody wins until we all do. I am eagerly assisting others toward the greatest good.

Call To Action
In its most basic sense, reading this book leaves the reader with the following imperatives for effective leadership:

* Discover and serve a purpose greater than yourself!
* Be genuine in who you are and what you believe.
* Be passionate about what you believe.
* Express a sense of destiny.
* Be tenacious in seeking your goals.
* Be purposeful in your actions.
* Take action!
* Value people!
* Inspire others!