How Leaders Lose Their Way - by Peter Greer & Jill Heisey (Paperback)

About the Book

"When Mission Drift was published, the authors asserted, "Without careful attention, faith-based organizations drift from their founding mission. It's that simple. It will happen." But it isn't just organizations that are vulnerable to drift; individuals must remain vigilant to prevent the same outcome on a personal level. Personal drift precedes organizational drift. Small compromises erode our faithfulness, and what seems like tiny shifts in direction significantly alters our course. Peter Greer and Jill Heisey explore the currents that lead us to drift and pull us off mission. How Leaders Lose Their Way identifies the beliefs, perspectives, and compromises that pull us off course. The ancient words of Ecclesiastes ring with relevance for modern leaders confronting a crisis of meaning or realizing the futility of striving. Drift and distraction pull strongly, with grave consequences for leaders and the individuals and organizations closest to us. Remaining tethered to what the writer of Ecclesiastes asserts ultimately matters-fearing God and keeping his commands-propels us onward with purpose and passion. We can learn from Solomon-both biblical hero and antihero-about how to keep ourselves on mission"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Stay True to Your Mission for the Long Haul

How Leaders Lose Their Way is a powerful and reflective exploration of the pitfalls that can send leaders off course--drawing lessons from the life of King Solomon and the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes. This book serves as a cautionary tale, equipping leaders to recognize personal and spiritual drift while providing actionable steps to maintain their mission-focused leadership.

Authors Peter Greer and Jill Heisey masterfully blend Scripture with modern-day insights and practical case studies, making this book a compelling guide for pastors, ministry leaders, and organizational leaders aiming to avoid distractions, pressures, and temptations that pull them off course.

This book will help you:

• Admit vulnerability: Every leader is susceptible to losing their way. The first step in avoiding personal drift is recognizing that it could happen to you.
• Stay disciplined: Staying on mission requires daily discipline, a reoriented understanding of success, and a balance of priorities to reach the finish line faithfully.
• Build a support network: Create accountability by building a community of trusted mentors and peers.
• Remain faithful: Regular reflection and confession can help you remain on the path of long-term faithfulness.

How Leaders Lose Their Way positions King Solomon as both a biblical hero and an antihero. By examining Solomon's wisdom and his ultimate failure to live that wisdom out, readers gain deep insights into avoiding similar pitfalls. Each chapter includes actionable reflection tools and modern case studies designed to equip leaders with practical strategies for staying "mission true."

This book is essential for Christian leaders who are ready to pause, reflect, and realign with their spiritual and organizational missions. Pursue a life of integrity, inspire the next generation, and build a legacy rooted in faithfulness. Stay on the path of mission-true leadership with How Leaders Lose Their Way.

Review Quotes

"We've all heard too many stories of leaders who've lost their way. We long for a different story; this book shows us how to live it. To ensure we finish well, we must face drift head-on, recognizing it and rowing against it. If you're in a season of transition, if your passion is growing stale, if you're pursuing purpose, if you want to finish well, then I'm glad this book is in your hands."

Chris Horst, coauthor of Mission Drift, from the foreword

"Peter Greer and Jill Heisey have written a timely and highly relevant book that is a must-read for Christian leaders. In How Leaders Lose Their Way, they illuminate the motivation and intentions of the heart and the never-ending pull on them. This book is a clarion call to wake up, search your heart, repent, and return to the center of God's will for kingdom calling and service. The ongoing challenges remain to start, sustain, scale, and grow the impact of Christ-centered nonprofits. But it is only possible if we faithfully follow God's way to accomplish the task. This book will guide you!"

Tami Heim, president and CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance

About the Author

Jill Heisey is a writer who is passionate about helping leaders and nonprofits share their stories. She has collaborated on the books Lead with Prayer, Rooting for Rivals, and The Gift of Disillusionment; written the children's book Keza Paints a Bright Future; and authored articles featured on Christianity Today's Better Samaritan blog. Jill graduated from Messiah University with degrees in politics and Spanish and resides outside Washington, DC, with her husband, Bryan, and their two daughters.

Peter Greer is president and CEO of HOPE International, a global nonprofit working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty in 29 countries around the world. Peter's favorite part of his role is spending time with the remarkable entrepreneurs HOPE serves. A graduate of Harvard's Kennedy School, Peter has co-authored over 15 books, including Lead with Prayer, Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, and How Leaders Lose Their Way. While his sports loyalties remain in New England, he lives with his wife, Laurel, and their four children in Lancaster, PA.