The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker Hardcover – January 1, 2013

Very inspiring and very interesting bookThis is an useful tool for any potential, actual leader.I recommend it to everyone

I never went to college and seminary thinking about being a leader. I went because I wanted to help people, to help students in their journey to the Kingdom of God. But, a leader I am. And to do my job well, I have to lead.I first attended a Catalyst conference in April 2012, and it really changed my perspective on what was possible if I took my role as a leader seriously. So, when Brad Lomenick, the president of Catalyst Conferences, released The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker, it was a no-brainer for me to pick one up and give it a read.Brad's book is a wealth of information and inspiration for those who are leading organizations that seek to effect change. It is at the same time both humble and authoritative. It's well organized and well written, interesting and insightful. In just a couple hundred pages, you get thoughts on 8 areas that all leaders need to be thinking about. Two that strike me the most are "capable" and "collaborative."Leaders who are capable stress excellence in everything they do. They set high standards for themselves and for the organization they lead. Sadly, in many churches, excellence is just something we hope for, not something we strive for. But a capable leader helps those around them reach new heights, and closely guards the ideals of their organization. No one feels proud when quality is compromised, no matter the bottom line. So, a capable leaders knows that excellence not only produces a great product, but also keeps their organization engaged and enthusiastic.Leaders who are collaborative show a special brand of humility that says, "it's not about empire, it's about kingdom." When we work with others, even others who may be in competition with us, we communicate that it's not all about us or all about our brand. This is probably never more important than in the church. Sometimes leaders can feel threatened by another organization, but a collaborative catalyst leader pushes through those barriers for the sake of their people and their product.If you're a leader of a church, a non-profit, or even the small business around the corner, this is a must read. It gives simple, usable, and inspiration instructions on how not only to make yourself, as a leader, better, but also the people you employ and serve. This should definitely be part of your collection.

While not a household name, Brad Lomenick is an influencer of influencers.In 'The Catalyst Leader,' Brad takes you behind the curtain of Catalyst, the leadership movement he leads, and into his own life, revealing personal failures and insecurities. He is also a great connector. In each chapter Brad introduces you to change makers he personally admires and knows, many of whom, if you follow them, will continue to inspire you long after you've finished the book. As a gifted question asker, Brad holds up a mirror for you to reflect on your own leadership journey and I was personally floored by what I saw.Having listened to all 200+ Catalyst podcasts to date and having met Brad in person at Catalyst events, I was already a Lomenick fan. 'The Catalyst Leader' only deepened my respect for him. The "Brad" on the pages is the same man you'll meet in person.'The Catalyst Leader' is one of the top leadership books I've read and I only wish that it had existed when I was 18 years old.If you feel passionate to lead and don't feel like you've arrived yet, don't hesitate to buy this book and get a few copies for those you want to pour into.

When Brad Lomenick and Catalyst releases a book, you can count me in. Although I've never been able to attend one of their conferences, I've had tremendous help and inspiration from their podcasts, Brads blogposts and other resources released from them. It's one of the few voices I continously listen to, because I get a rare combination of inspiration to really "go for it", and really practical down-to-earth tools to do grow my leadership. Put in other words: my expextations for this this book was really high.And the book delivers. Brad gives us eight very clear and helpful traits of a leader that leads well and long. And he does it in a combination of personal story, wisdom gained trought the catalyst movement, and a survey done among next-gen leaders. It all comes out in a way I would characterize with the two words wisdom and practical insights.I plan to buy and give this book to every young leader I invest in, and recommend you to do the same!

I really did want to like this...I've heard great things about the Catalyst conference, and I think Brad and his staff are totally doing important work for raising up leaders, especially in the Christian context.However, I couldn't force myself to finish the book--I'm sure Brad and the whole Catalyst team have great hearts and are great people, so this isn't a judgment on them. With that said, I felt like the book was 90% about how awesome the Catalyst team was and the cool things Brad has done, and 10% principles that I could apply. I understand being proud of your organization (why wouldn't they be?), but constant name-dropping and a tone of "isn't Catalyst the best?" took away from the heart of the book, in my opinion. I would have liked to see him talk more at length of the leaders and their stories in the back of each chapter, instead of briefly mentioning them in a few sentences.I'm glad others loved the book, but I feel like there might be more effective, leadership books out there (i.e. Good to Great by Collins)!

Brad does a great job telling his story and inspiring other leaders. A bit thick on examples, but not light on practical content.As a follower of Jesus who is from a similar cultural / faith background as the author it was easy for me to engage with the text. If one didn't have that in common with him it may feel a bit scattered or faith heavy.Solid recommendation to young, faith oriented leaders in any discipline.

The Catalyst leader provides a lot of great insights into what it looks like to be a leader that can bring about change. With great stories and a lot of examples, this books goes in depth into the heart of a leader as well as practical hands on leadership values. Only reason it did not get five stars is because it did seem to drag on at some points... Some items could have been flushed out quicker... But it was a great book!

Our leadership courses should consider this and note its ideas and apply what is possible theologically to the church leadership they will be going into if not in already.

Great Service! I would definitely recommend... ;)