Most of us will have worked with brilliant leaders, and in dynamic and fulfilling teams. Yet you will, no doubt, have also been frustrated by the opposite, with ineffective teams and uninspiring and demotivating leaders, even though the people were skilled, committed and worthy. Let’s be honest, this probably happens at least as often in church as in secular employment. In this book Nigel Argall asks whether in these situations Christians can benefit from established models of management and leadership? Is secular leadership something different to that in a church, or do these require different models and styles? Can Christians use the skills that they have learnt at work and join the dots to see how these can be used to reflect essential characteristics of Christian vocation, service and behaviour? Nigel asks if we are happy to draw on sources of wisdom from authors and practitioners who may not share our faith perspective, but still have insights and wisdom to share? He answers this question with a clear ‘yes’.
In Do Manage Lead, Nigel Argall, outlines some of the major secular management and leadership tools that have been developed over the years, and he uses bible stories to show how these principles have been applied by people of God. These are illustrated with examples from his own wide experience in different contexts. There is no secular-spiritual divide here, the same wise principles apply in both church and secular contexts. Nigel is bold to acknowledge this and does not duck the conclusion that while personal integrity and commitment are essential requirements for Christian leadership, these alone are not sufficient for effective leadership. He emphasises that these skills can be learned, developed and enhanced. Readers of the book will be relieved to know that he doesn’t indulge in deep analysis and description of the various tools, but provides clear and succinct summaries of their main conclusions. Neither is this a book of quick-fix formulae, but by raising the issues Nigel provokes us to consider how we can use these tools to improve our own situations.
I recommend his book as a starter, to set you thinking about how things might operate better.
Keith Fox is Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at Southampton University where he was for a time Head of the School of Biological Sciences. He was Associate Director and then Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge and was a former chair of Christians in Science. He was Senior Executive Editor of a major academic science journal (Nucleic Acids Research) from 2008-2021 and is Editor of Science & Christian Belief. He is also a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England.
In Do Manage Lead, Nigel Argall, outlines some of the major secular management and leadership tools that have been developed over the years, and he uses bible stories to show how these principles have been applied by people of God. These are illustrated with examples from his own wide experience in different contexts. There is no secular-spiritual divide here, the same wise principles apply in both church and secular contexts. Nigel is bold to acknowledge this and does not duck the conclusion that while personal integrity and commitment are essential requirements for Christian leadership, these alone are not sufficient for effective leadership. He emphasises that these skills can be learned, developed and enhanced. Readers of the book will be relieved to know that he doesn’t indulge in deep analysis and description of the various tools, but provides clear and succinct summaries of their main conclusions. Neither is this a book of quick-fix formulae, but by raising the issues Nigel provokes us to consider how we can use these tools to improve our own situations.
I recommend his book as a starter, to set you thinking about how things might operate better.
Keith Fox is Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at Southampton University where he was for a time Head of the School of Biological Sciences. He was Associate Director and then Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge and was a former chair of Christians in Science. He was Senior Executive Editor of a major academic science journal (Nucleic Acids Research) from 2008-2021 and is Editor of Science & Christian Belief. He is also a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England.
Packed with rich illustrations, copious amounts of biblical wisdom and myriad insights from leaders in every sphere, Do Manage Lead had me gripped page after page. You may know several of the theories covered. Don’t skip over! It was the Greek Aesop who said familiarity breeds contempt. For starters, Nigel reinvigorates the tired, often poorly executed SWOT, and sheds fresh light on Adair’s Action Centred Leadership, and he goes on to highlight some you may be less familiar with, such as dealing with wicked problems and situational leadership. Theories tested by time, anchored in Scripture and weathered in real life. What’s not to like? I will be recommending this to students!
Andy du Feu, Executive Director, Moorlands College
Andy du Feu, Executive Director, Moorlands College
Brilliant book. Great mix of real-world experiences grounded in scripture. I can see how I will apply this book to my leadership. This book will live in my office and I am very sure it will be opened a lot over the next few years.
I only wish I had this toolbox when I started my leadership. I probably would have made wiser decisions.
Jon Partridge
CEO – RS Marine Group (World’s largest small boat manufacturer)
I only wish I had this toolbox when I started my leadership. I probably would have made wiser decisions.
Jon Partridge
CEO – RS Marine Group (World’s largest small boat manufacturer)
Do Manage Lead is a fantastic resource. In looking at some common business theories and models for getting things done through the lens of scripture, Nigel expertly blends wisdom from well-known biblical narratives with insightful reflection. This book should be on every leader’s shelf.”
Ali Campbell, Development Consultant, Paraklesis
Ali Campbell, Development Consultant, Paraklesis
This is a great book. Nigel draws together what we now understand as essential business craft with practical and applicable biblical understanding. If the bible is rightly understood as speaking to the whole of life and lived experience, why is that we fear to allow its light and truth to shine into the shrine of business?
Tammy Lillie BEng Hons MSc PGCLT(HE) CEng FIMechE FCIPD Chief People Officer Met Office
Tammy Lillie BEng Hons MSc PGCLT(HE) CEng FIMechE FCIPD Chief People Officer Met Office
This book makes a distinctive and inspirational contribution to leadership and management resources. Nigel has skilfully woven together classic leadership and management theory with scriptural wisdom to create a highly effective toolkit for leaders.
Leaders and managers, in a wide variety of contexts, would find this book of immense value as would those who coach and mentor existing or aspiring leaders.
Anyone leading in a Church setting, particularly, would find the blend of leadership models and scriptural underpinnings both highly informative and inspirational. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to all those engaged in improving the working lives of people and their organisations.
Dr Pat McGovern, Retired Headteacher, School Leadership Coach and Education Consultant.
Leaders and managers, in a wide variety of contexts, would find this book of immense value as would those who coach and mentor existing or aspiring leaders.
Anyone leading in a Church setting, particularly, would find the blend of leadership models and scriptural underpinnings both highly informative and inspirational. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to all those engaged in improving the working lives of people and their organisations.
Dr Pat McGovern, Retired Headteacher, School Leadership Coach and Education Consultant.
What an encouragement to find a book that combines current secular models of leadership with a biblical interpretation. As a leader of a Christian Charity mainly served by teams of volunteers, it is refreshing to be able to reflect on the challenges of leadership and team building within a faith framework. Nigel provides us with some helpful passages from scripture along with some memorable stories from both his own experience and others to illustrate the key points of each chapter. With punchy sections and short chapters, this book is very readable, and will provide a helpful addition to the resources available to support us in our different leadership positions. I particularly liked the ‘And finally - - ‘conclusion to each chapter, which succinctly brought the key themes together with a takeaway message. So, ‘and finally’ – I highly recommend this book to all those who are keen to both deepen their faith perspective of leadership, as well those who are looking for a useful toolbox to explore with their teams.
Revd Canon Dr Erica Roberts
Founder of Caraway, City Chaplain for Older People, Southampton
Revd Canon Dr Erica Roberts
Founder of Caraway, City Chaplain for Older People, Southampton
Nigel has the rare gift of taking complicated and occasionally dull but useful management and leadership principles and translating them into the church and charity world in a way that non academics can understand. I am delighted that these tools, many of which have been shared with youth and children's workers will now have a wider audience. It is hard to imagine anyone reading these chapters and not finding an insight that will transform their service for God.
Andy Peck, editor of Youth and Children's Work and Premier NexGen.
Andy Peck, editor of Youth and Children's Work and Premier NexGen.
This book is a great blend of good management practice and applied common sense, set in a valuable Biblical perspective. It is well researched and referenced, and includes relevant examples from the Bible, and from the everyday life of organisations. Do Manage Lead will give you practical tools for dealing with a host of challenges and opportunities, whether you are a church leader, or a manager or Director or trustee of a Christian charity, or a Christian trying to live out your faith in a secular work environment.
David Saint, Chair, Action Planning Consultants
David Saint, Chair, Action Planning Consultants
In Do Manage Lead Nigel Argall has set out to discuss some 14 mainstream management theories and explain them in a straightforward manner as tools to make the leader's life easier. Although aimed primarily at a Christian readership, managers in a wide variety of professions will find his writing style engaging and his definitions and illustrations accessible. I thoroughly recommend this book as a step towards more skilled and effective leadership.
Roland Agambar, Managing Director, Mail Newspapers, DMG
Roland Agambar, Managing Director, Mail Newspapers, DMG
I deeply appreciate this helpful book from an experienced and effective pastor who shares tried and true principles forged in the trenches of ministry. Drawing on both scripture and modern leadership tools, Pastor Argall offers a work that pastors will find both accessible and immanently practical.
Keith Cowart, Bishop Free Methodist Church, USA
Keith Cowart, Bishop Free Methodist Church, USA
Do Manage Lead offers a creative, insightful, accessible, and practical toolkit for Christians at all levels of leadership or management – even if you’re just managing yourself! A highly refreshing approach that incorporates a healthy dialogue between Biblical reflection, faith, real-life scenarios, and a range of practical management theories.
Revd Louise Kenyon
Lecturer in Social Theology, Nazarene Theological College, Manchester
Revd Louise Kenyon
Lecturer in Social Theology, Nazarene Theological College, Manchester
This is a beautifully balanced guide - an entertaining and purposeful walk through clearly articulated ideas, with a usefully wide range of cultural and theoretical reference. Nigel’s writing comes from a wealth of practical experience, and his constant re-reference to Scripture gives the narrative a solid biblical framework.
Professor Timothy Dean, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Professor Timothy Dean, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Through stories, scriptures and helpful strategies, Nigel offers us tools that equip us in the leadership journey and always tracks us back to the Bible. An essential read that will encourage any leader.
Amy Summerfield CEO, Kyria Network, Head of Development, Skylark International, Zeo Church
Amy Summerfield CEO, Kyria Network, Head of Development, Skylark International, Zeo Church
Nigel has created a concise ‘toolbox’ that equips and encourages us to tackle difficult challenges all too easily filed in the ‘too difficult basket’, and succeed. Being rooted in God’s word, perhaps the only prescription he puts forward is to ‘seek and ye shall find’.
Phil Rice, Head of Management Accounting, Falmouth University
Phil Rice, Head of Management Accounting, Falmouth University
As beings 'made in the image of God', we should not be surprised that many of our experiences in life are reflected in God's dealings with His people as recorded in the Bible. This book astutely makes use of scripture to identify key tools to help those with responsibility or leadership, in any walk of life, to have the confidence to navigate life’s issues and dramas.
Lt Col (Ret'd) Bill Graham, British Army
Lt Col (Ret'd) Bill Graham, British Army
Nigel shares honest insights from the wealth of his, and others', experiences. Applying these principles will enlarge our leadership toolkit and increase our skill level. Well worth a read.
John Townley National Leader, Free Methodist Church, UK and Ireland
John Townley National Leader, Free Methodist Church, UK and Ireland