Hi friends,

This week’s Monday Mentions includes two books and a recent Amazon purchase.

What are you reading/watching/learning?

Bobby

A New Book I am Looking Forward to Reading: The Influential Mentor

This is a brand new book by my friend Maina Mwaura. This book looks at the life and impact of Howard Hendricks. Many great leaders have been influenced greatly by Dr. Hendricks. I just grabbed a copy of the book today and can’t wait to jump in!

From Amazon:

Over the span of four years, journalist Maina Mwaura noticed an intriguing pattern while interviewing hundreds of prominent leaders: many of them were deeply shaped by longtime Dallas Theological Seminary professor Howard Hendricks. The Influential Mentor tells the story of Hendricks’ life while capturing his visionary character and leadership legacy. Hendricks, like all of us, struggled. He overcame a difficult childhood and battled depression. Parenting was a challenge. Yet he got up every week for sixty years to teach and mentor with incredible zeal and humility. This book combines the reality of struggle with the audacity of faith to empower others to lead in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

But at its heart, this is a book about more than Howard Hendricks. It’s about well-tested methods that have shaped a movement—methods that will help today’s leaders weather cultural storms and be more effective. In a time where division seems the norm, renowned “Prof” Hendricks imparts a unifying influence. Mwaura shares interviews with Tony Evans, Robert Jeffress, Dennis and Barbara Rainey, Gene Getz, Andy Stanley, Jennie Allen, and more—each testifying to a life of spiritual, emotional, and physical perseverance.

As Christians apply the lessons of Prof Hendricks’ life, they too will be encouraged and strengthened to be a person of great influence for the cause of Christ! The Influential Mentor highlights the leadership success of a contemporary giant of the faith, while inspiring Christians toward the same faithful endeavor.

Great Book: Coach the Person, Not the Problem

I think every leader should consider adopting a coach-like approach to leading. It is certainly not the only way to lead, but it is a powerful tool to have in a leader’s toolbox.

One of the most impactful methods a coach uses is by asking powerful questions. But if we’re not careful, we’ll focus more on creating the perfect question instead of being fully present with the other person. This book, Coach the Person, Not the Problem, is super helpful in moving beyond this to help others experience a shift in perspective.

From Amazon:

From a founding member of the coaching movement comes a detailed guide to mastering one of a coach’s toughest skills: thoughtfully reflecting clients’ words and expressions back to them so they see themselves and their world through new eyes.

“Coaches rely far too much on asking open-ended questions,” says Marcia Reynolds. But questions only seek answers — inquiry provides insight. When, instead of just questions, clients hear their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs spoken by someone else, it prompts them to critically consider how their thinking affects their goals. Reynolds cites the latest brain science to show why reflective inquiry works and provides techniques, tips, and structures for creating breakthrough conversations.

This book will free coaches from the cult of asking the magical question by offering five essential practices of reflective inquiry: Focus on the person, not the problem; summarize what is heard and expressed; identify underlying beliefs and assumptions; unwrap the desired outcome; and articulate insights and commitments. Using these practices, combined with a respectful and caring presence, helps create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and valued for who they are. Coaches become change agents who actively recharge the human spirit. And clients naturally dive deeper and develop personalized solutions that may surprise even the coach.

A Recent Amazon Buy – A New Showerhead with Incredible Pressure

I don’t know anyone who likes a shower with low water pressure. While this may seem like a strange pick, hopefully, we all shower! And if you’d like more water pressure, I encourage you to check this showerhead out. It’s not expensive and made a huge difference for our shower.