Principles of the Way of the Shepherd

Even though I was not able to relate to this book, I was able to finish it. Hoping that I someday I could apply these principles not just as leader in work but in my family as well.

Here's the guidelines for being a great Shepherd / Leader.

Principles of the Way of the Shepherd
- by Dr. Kevin Leman & William Pentak
- Interview with Theodore McBride (CEO of General Technologies); MBA student of Dr. Jack Nuemann

1. Know the Condition of Your Flock
- Follow the status of your people as well as the status of the work.
- Get to know your flock, one sheep at a time.
- Engage your people on a regular basis.
- Keep your eyes and ears open, question, and follow through.

2. Discover the Shape of Your Sheep
- Your choice of sheep can make flock management easier or harder.
- Start with healthy sheep, or you'll inherit someone else's problems.
- Know the SHAPE of your sheep to make sure they're in the right fold.
S-trengths
H-eart
A-ttitude
P-ersonality
E-xperienceS

3. Help Your Sheep Identify with You
- Build trust with your followers by modeling authenticity, integrity and compassion.
- Set high standards of performance.
- Relentlessly communicate your values and sense of mission.
- Define the cause for your people and tell them where they fit in.
- Remember that great leadership isn't just professional; its personal.

4. Make Your Pasture a Safe Place
- Keep your people well informed.
- Infuse every position with importance.
- Cull chronic instigators from the flock.
- Regularly rotate the sheep to fresh pastures.
- Reassure the sheep by staying visible.
- Don't give problems time to fester.

5. The Staff of Direction
- Know where you're going, get out in front, and keep your flock on the move.
- When directing, use persuasion rather than coercion.
- Give your people freedom of movement, but make sure they know where the fence line is. Don't confuse boundaries with bridles!
- When your people get in trouble, go and get them out.
- Remind your people that failure isn't fatal.

6. The Rod of Correction
- PROTECT: Stand in the gap and fight for your sheep.
- CORRECT: Approach disciple as a teaching opportunity.
- INSPECT: Regularly inquire about your people's progress.

7. The Heart of the Shepherd
- Great leadership is a lifestyle, not a technique.
- Every day you have to decide who's going to pay for your leadership - you or your people.
- Most of all, have a heart for your sheep.