Nailing Outdated Leadership Practices to the Cross
Traditional leadership teachings and styles haven't changed much in years. But the world is changing and so are Christian leaders—women need room for their natural gifts to shine and people of color needed space to elevate the values they bring into their roles. Even seasoned leaders are growing weary of the status quo, craving innovative ways to lean into new ways of thinking for the good of their organizations and the emerging generations they serve.
In this transformative resource for leaders of all ages, Nicole Massie Martin inspires us to crucify our ministry idols and nail our outdated leadership practices to the cross. Sharing leadership principles and case studies wrapped in biblical precepts and pastoral wisdom, she leads us through seven areas of traditional leadership that need to be reframed:
Get ready to take the leap of faith into new leadership realities, and discover how crucified living can lead you to nail it.
"After spending more than seventeen years in senior executive roles across both marketplace and ministry, I have seen many leaders succumb to the temptations offered by ego and achievement. But in Nailing It, my friend and brilliant thought-leader Nicole Massie Martin offers a new paradigm that is centered on the sacrificial example of Jesus. I am grateful for this book, and you will be, too!"
"The most helpful, practical, challenging, inspiring, and empowering leadership book I've read. In Nailing It, Nicole Massie Martin has provided a blueprint for effective leadership in our rapidly changing world. By identifying leadership practices that hinder our effectiveness and sharing practical principles that lead to personal and organizational flourishing, Nicole has 'nailed' the pressing leadership issues of our day."
"It would be hard to count the number of books, seminars, and podcasts currently available on leadership. Many are helpful and give wise counsel. In this book, Nicole Massie Martin offers a unique approach to leadership, one that recognizes the pathways and pitfalls of current leadership models in the church and in the culture, but one that also challenges various approaches with the perspective of a leader crucified to self for the glory of God and the good of those they lead. Every leader will resonate with one or more of the issues raised, and every leader will be helped by the wisdom offered in these pages."
"Nicole Massie Martin's Nailing It shines a light on the approaches that are needed now and in the future. I loved Nicole's focus on inclusion in leadership with clear examples of women and people of color. Through founding 4word, I have witnessed how leaders in companies like Toyota North America (through its Christian Fellowship), Envision Radiology, Escalante Golf, and many others implement transformational characteristics of love, surrender, grace, and trust. Nailing It offers practical approaches for leaders to implement these qualities. In addition, Nailing It provides hope for the future where the love of Christ can be shared by leaders of tomorrow by their example with those who may never enter the doors of a church or know another follower of Christ."
"By reading this book, you can learn from one of the most impressive and effective leaders in the world today. Regardless of your specific calling, Nicole Massie Martin here will equip you to lead with joy, humility, and excellence while overcoming discouragement and hardship. By the time you close the book, you will not only be ready to lead better, but you will also be inspired to follow Jesus more closely than ever."
"Nailing It is a powerful and timely look at an approach to leadership that challenges the status quo and invites leaders into a deeper, more authentic way of leading. Nicole Massie Martin 'nails it' when she boldly states that true leadership must flow from crucified lives, allowing God's healing and grace to be resurrected in and through us. She masterfully critiques the inadequacies of our current leadership models and offers a compelling vision for where we could and should aspire to be."
Introduction
Part One: The Problem
1. The Realities of Stress and Suffering in Our Present Age
2. Triumphalism, Trauma, and the American Church
Part Two: The Progression
3. Crucifying Power: From Personal Control to Complete Surrender
4. Crucifying Ego: From Self-Centeredness to Divine Love
5. Crucifying Speed: From Deliberately Fast to Delightfully Slow
6. Crucifying Performance: From Transactional Performance to Transformational Presence
7. Crucifying Perfection: From Unattainable Standards to Grace-Filled Wholeness
8. Crucifying Loyalty: From Collective Assimilation to Communal Affirmation
9. Crucifying Scale: From Organizational Growth to Missional Depth
Part Three: The Promise
10. Resurrecting Healing and Hope
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
Notes