The Ascent of a Leader: How Ordinary Relationships Develop Extraordinary Character and Influence

A Leadership Network Publication

Become the leader people are proud to follow by opening yourself tothe influences that develop character: Anduring relationships withfriAnds, family, and God.Solidly based on Christian values, thispractical, visionary, and hope-filled book guides readers through astep-by-step process for developing both personal character and thenetwork of important relationships that enable character to winout, even in the face of setbacks, adversity, and temptations totake short cuts. Leadership is about character, the authors assert,and character weaves values like integrity, honesty, and selflessservice into the fabric of our lives, organizations, andcultures.

The Ascent of a Leader is written for ordinary people-mothers,husbands, bosses, secretaries, pastors, teachers, and students-whowant to develop extraordinary character, find and follow God's planfor their lives, and lead others where they need to go. We all haveinnate leadership potential. To maximize it, we must do much morethan develop performance-based skills, the authors assert. We mustconsciously choose who and what we allow to influence us, find anddevelop our humility, and build Anduring relationships withcolleagues, family, friAnds, and God. They offer engaging real-lifeexamples to show how we can grow into our true potential as leadersand inspire us to "make a difference in the 21st century-in ourfamilies, our communities, our companies, our government, and evenour world."

With a foreword by Ken Blanchard.

THE AUTHORS

A former CPA, management consultant, and church leader, Bill Thrall (left) serves as leadership mentor for Leadership Catalyst, Inc. (LCI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to igniting character development in current and emerging leaders. Bruce McNicol (center) brings international experience in coaching leaders and serves as LCI's president. Ken McElrath (right) directs marketing for hi-tech start-up companies.