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Lead & Succeed
Grounded in the Bible's wisdom, Lead & Succeed provides insightful nuggets, compelling stories, and practical steps for today's business leaders. Lead & Succeed will make you a ready leader: the leader who knows what to do and positively impacts both business results and the lives of others.


How to inspire and influence with confidence in an ever-changing business world






Endorsements

Lead and Succeed is full of lessons in servant leadership taught by the Book. Sara Moulton Reger has a fabulous way of not just telling but also showing how leaders can lead-and succeed-with their spiritual values intact. You will read this book more than once.
-KEN BLANCHARD
COAUTHOR OF THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER AND LEAD LIKE JESUS

This book is like the best course on change management and leadership you've never had, because no one else offers it. Drawing on inspiration from the Bible and decades of effective practice in powerhouse organizations, Sara Moulton Reger offers dozens of rich stories from the front lines, evocative bits of wisdom you'll want to put on your computer wallpaper, questions that stop your world and make you reflect, and answers that you can use today. I'll be keeping my copy handy for frequent referral.
-DON M. FRICK, PHD
AUTHOR OF ROBERT K. GREENLEAF: A LIFE OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Sara Moulton Reger shows us how to develop our spiritual assets into leadership strength. She uncovers timeless best practices from the hearts of biblical/historical characters whose servant-leadership attitudes changed the world. She clearly shows how leadership is a responsibility to demonstrate personal spiritual transformation in a way that motivates and leads others to similar change. You can use this book to build teams and change cultures. It is creatively organized into "See It" and "Live It" sections that help us make the connection between the biblical best practice and leading in today's world.
-MERRILL OSTER
FOUNDER OF PINNACLE FORUM, AUTHOR OF VISION DRIVEN LEADERSHIP

Sara Moulton Reger's intriguing insights presented in Lead and Succeed provide a practical guide based on the truths in God's written Word. She has selected relevant passages that allow us to examine our hearts, and her specific action items invite us to implement and measure our own servant-leadership behaviors against the gold standard. A must-read for all servant leaders!
-RYAN LUNSFORD, PHD
DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAM, KEN BLANCHARD COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

In Lead and Succeed, Sara Moulton Reger provides a readily accessible set of biblically based principles for leaders at all levels and in all settings. This is no "holier than thou" treatise, nor is it a "top ten" list of catchy platitudes. It's an insightful, well-written spotlight on the Bible's guidance for leaders and their daily actions. I recommend that you read it, keep it close by, and refer to it often.
-MICHAEL SHANK, PHD
MANAGING PARTNER, EXECUTIVE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES

What a great resource! Lead and Succeed has great content that's easily accessible with tips that are practical and applicable for managers and leaders. Plus, the scriptural references add a wonderful perspective not always found in business books.
-LINDA J. MILLER
COAUTHOR OF COACHING IN ORGANIZATIONS: BEST COACHING PRACTICES FROM THE KEN BLANCHARD COMPANIES

Sara Moulton Reger managed to carve out a unique place among treatises on leadership qualities in Lead and Succeed. As an educator, I have taught or reviewed courses on leadership character, decision making, styles, principles, and practices. Yet I found insights and connections not experienced in other materials. Here is a book that is reflective in concept, practical in application, and fundamental in acknowledging truth on how we might govern others. From the business framework for biblical leadership principles and practices to the "See It" and "Live It" discussions, we have another prism of leadership to shed light upon our path.
-JULIKA BARRETT
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, PEROT SYSTEMS

In a world in which leadership is reduced to the superficialities of glitz and glamour, Sara Moulton Reger's approach to the topic represents a depth and substance that is refreshing. From her years of experience as a senior corporate management consultant, she imparts practical, universal truths that apply in any setting: small business, corporate, or nonprofit. The clarity and progressive unveiling of the people-driven leadership wisdom in Lead and Succeed will serve well a range from first-stage leaders to seasoned corporate veterans.
-MORRIS E. RUDDICK
FOUNDER, GLOBAL INITIATIVES FOUNDATION

Sara Moulton Reger has an authentic voice and a practical approach to using the Bible and the wisdom of Jesus as a guide in our daily business life. Anyone who reads this will come away with a greater appreciation of the powerful impact that leaders who use the Bible as a guide will have on their organizations.
-CAROL GRASER
EXECUTIVE COACH, NEXTGEN LEADERS

Lead and Succeed is an inspirational book that blends the Bible with workplace management, utilizing comparative workplace scenarios with actual Scripture verses. The "Live It" bullet points in each chapter are insightful and provide leadership principles that can be readily referenced time and again. Highly recommended reading for all business personnel regardless of their position within the organization.
-DR. CHRISTOPHER ROHAN
CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN

What higher standard could there be for business leaders than scriptural principles and God's direction? Sara Moulton Reger has drawn from her rich business acumen and thoughtful scriptural understanding to articulate principles and practical applications for integrating the sacred into daily responsibilities. Lead and Succeed is an outstanding handbook for the leader facing the responsibilities of modern business.
-WAYNE AND CINDY SHABAZ
COFOUNDERS, CDAWN LEARNING, LLC

Sara Moulton Reger is uniquely qualified to write on leadership due to her faith as a Christian combined with her business experience. Sara has motivated and inspired our administrative staff with her insight and creative thinking.
-DAVID FRIEND
SENIOR PASTOR, SCOTTSDALE FIRST ASSEMBLY

This powerful book is a must-read for people in any type of leadership position. It helps those in power to focus on "the big picture" through God's plan. The organization of the book by topic, along with the concrete ideas and examples presented in each chapter, makes for an easy read and easy targeting to an individual situation or need-a book that can be referenced again and again.
-SHELLY GREENWOOD
TEACHER, ARVADA, COLORADO

A thoughtful, targeted, Christian work that serves as a ready reference full of action items allowing today's management resources to merge spiritual and business principles to solve our never-ending business challenges.
-DIANA HEME
U.S. COMMITTEE DIRECTOR, UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR WOMEN

What better source for business leadership guidance than the Bible? Sara Moulton Reger brings a fresh approach by integrating the greatest Book ever written with the many facets of leadership encountered daily. I enjoyed reading Lead and Succeed and found that it provided practical leadership advice by highlighting how to infuse biblical principles into an individual's business leadership principles.
-DR. MARY O. RIGALI
GLOBAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR, IBM UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND INNOVATION PROGRAMS

Sara Moulton Reger demonstrates how the Bible can provide a strong foundation for today's business leaders who are facing numerous challenges and searching for guidance. Lead and Succeed provides us with solutions, from the teachings of Scripture to real-life scenarios in our fast-paced and ever-changing work environments. We are reminded that there are many biblical lessons that can benefit today's executives and managers.
-PHILIP M. KRAUS
DIRECTOR OF ENTERPRISE SALES, AVAYA FINANCIAL SERVICES

In Lead and Succeed Sara Moulton Reger easily blends biblically based wisdom and leadership examples with her own experience and the experience of others who are actively applying that wisdom in current-day settings. Throughout this book, Sara shares key attributes of leadership such as discernment, humility, willingness to be led and learn from each challenge, and ability to listen. She also expresses the importance of seeking and the important role it plays in leadership abilities. Sara provides an easy and meaningful read for anyone who is seeking and on the path of leadership. She reminds us of Matthew 7:7: "Seek, and ye shall find."
-DEBORAH DUNAGAN
AUTHOR OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: LESSONS LEARNED IN SILICON VALLEY

In Lead and Succeed, Sara Moulton Reger has taken key leadership insights from Scripture and shown us, as Christians, how we should model those behaviors in our organizational leadership. The "Discussion/Live It/See It" framework helps us experience the practical application of these insights in very tangible ways. This book raises the standard for the practices of Christian business leaders and has set up an ensign of expectation for all non-Christians who should see the manifestation of these important behaviors in our actions daily.
-STEVE THEVENIN
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT AND LAY MINISTER

A must-read for those who want to experience the excitement and joy that follows by applying God's wisdom and principles to every business and leadership decision.
-PATTY KOSTERS
REGISTERED PRINCIPAL, GWN SECURITIES

Lead and Succeed is a very insightful work that reminds me of many foundational leadership practices I learned a long time ago and managed to forget as I grew in my career. By anchoring the leadership practices in Scripture, Sara Moulton Reger demonstrates it is possible and practical to use the phase, "What would Jesus do?" in a business setting. Thanks for bringing Christ and His teachings to the workplace.
-CHARLIE MERRILL
ORGANIZATION CHANGE MANAGEMENT LEAD, IBM ENTERPRISE BUSINESS PROCESS TRANSFORMATION

Sara Moulton Reger's writings are an excellent example of her keen ability to integrate her experience and research into a meaningful and informative format. This has resulted in an extremely useful guide for the novice as well as the professional in their day-to-day work and personal lives.
-SUE HARWOOD
EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT (RETIRED), IBM

Enduring ideals, lasting lessons, and a road map to follow. Sara Moulton Reger has taken the wisdom that is grounded in the Bible and provides actionable steps to aid leaders in being a positive force for change. With the Bible as the common reference point, it guides leaders on how they can be more effective in all aspects of their role as leader-decision maker, change agent, communicator, coach, mentor, and teacher. Lead and Succeed truly is a tool to teach a leader to fish.
-JANET YOUNG
PRESIDENT, CHANGE EDGE CONSULTING, LLC

What a pleasure! Sara Moulton Reger has appropriately ignored the artificial distinctions between our spiritual and professional lives to bring us easy insight into the deepest wisdom only accessible to hearts resolutely tuned in to the precious soft voice of the Holy Spirit.
-SHARON HRONEK
FELLOW LISTENER

Fascinating reading. It clearly and concisely connects the essence for business success with lessons found in the Bible and offers a wonderful approach in applying the lessons in our daily lives. Sara Moulton Reger conveys a significant message to those of us concerned with being effective leaders.
-JONATHAN WALKUP
ASSOCIATE PARTNER, IBM BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICES

This book is full of practical leadership principles and practices based on the ultimate source of wisdom-the Bible! Drawing upon her rich personal experiences and deep knowledge of God's Word, Sara Moulton Reger has produced a guide that should make anyone a better leader, both in the kingdom of this world and in the kingdom of God.
-DR. DEAN SPITZER
QUALITY ENGINEER, IBM INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY DELIVERY

This book is a must-read for leaders who aspire to take their leadership to a higher level. When you read this book, you are drawn into the direct linkage between the inspired words of the Bible and its application to leadership today. You find that leadership today can truly be a position of inspired service to others.
-BRANDON HARWOOD
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

"I have long sought ways to 'make church last past Sunday.' Sara Moulton Reger has provided just such a tool. She skillfully applies scriptural lessons to the central activities of leading, and then offers tactical steps to follow your faith all week. I took my time in reading this book, being drawn to the rich examples given, and applying them to my life and career. A wonderful and useful book."
Chris Heath
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

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Foreword
I wish this book had been lying beside my Bible the night my perfect storm touched down. I could have used Sara's practical insights into applying biblical principles to daily business life.

I grew up in my family's auction business, representing the third generation of the Kruse legacy to carry the auction gavel to the next. Since the time I was five-years-old, I was forced to forego watching Saturday morning cartoons in lieu of working auctions. My dad brought me to sales where my marching orders included carrying clerk sheets from the auction ring to the cashier's office amidst all kinds of inclement weather. I was six-years-old when I worked at the world's first annual collector car consignment auction in our hometown of Auburn, Indiana which decades earlier, had been the birthplace of more makes of automobiles than Detroit. Seventeen thousand car enthusiasts flooded the field that showcased seventy desirable antique and classic cars parked under a circus tent.

As I began earning my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Indiana University, I traveled nearly every weekend to work the ring and auctioneer at collector car auctions, my family's trademark on the auction industry. I became the first person to sell a car for a documented one million dollars cash. At the outset of my last semester of college, I formed a new corporation and partnered with my father to forge a new path in the auction world.

We created the world's first auction park, the first auction broadcasted live via satellite, and the first collector car auction produced live on cable television, garnering record ratings for the network's timeslot. Though I had grown up attending church three times a week, my heart hardened as I saw my success as dependent totally on me. This heart condition was perpetuated by foolish choices that wrecked my leadership capacity. My trust in my giftedness rather than my godliness almost destroyed the family business. A perfect storm was on the horizon.

One night, weary and burdened from a mountain of debt, I fell to my knees beside my bed where I fully surrendered my heart, desires, and life, including the business that I had held back, to God. His primary tool to shape my new life was wisdom: the intersection of God's heart with street smarts. When I rose from my knees, I reached for my Bible. Though the cover was dusty, the words on the pages inside were spotless treasures that would restore my pride to humility and consequently, my foolishness to wisdom. I learned more that I could apply to my business life from the Bible than I gleaned from the hundreds of other business books I read.

Applying God's wisdom to my collector car auction world restored my relationships and my capacity to lead. We created the first auction streamed live on the Internet, produced a celebrity car auction broadcasted to a record Labor Day audience on ESPN2, innovated corporate sponsorships for auctions, and completed our best year in business history when we became a coveted vehicle to many suitors who had recognized that the hottest buzzword on the Internet was auctions. After a record setting run on Wall Street, a young startup company named, Ebay, merged with Kruse International, a move that afforded me the opportunity to become a carrier of the message of restoration through wisdom in leadership. I enrolled in seminary and earned my Master's and Doctorate degrees. Now I communicate with marketplace and ministry leaders in order to connect the culture with Christ.

Again, I wish Sara's book had been lying beside my Bible the night my perfect storm touched down. I would have devoured it because she models, inspires, and teaches the Bible's relevance to the challenges of the marketplace. In the following life-altering pages, Sara examines stories recorded in the Bible to glean wise principles that she weaves into present day marketplace experiences in order to create this valuable resource filled with wisdom. Her approach to the background, structure, and context of the biblical texts is scholarly, and her uncovered principles flow from her personal relationship with God. Whether you are a marketplace professional or a vocational ministry architect, a seminary student or a tenured professor, a church small group leader or a senior pastor, a nonprofit organizational administrator or a for-profit corporate executive, or a mom or a dad, I believe you will agree that this book should be required reading.

Not only does Sara offer wisdom for both marketplace and ministry change agents, but she also arranges her priceless pearls in a useful design that can be quickly referenced and strategically applied to your busy and complicated life. Sara assembles her insights in a neat and tidy format for application to a messy and cluttered world. I love the Live It and See It sections that I will continually revisit as I assimilate them into my own life in an effort to share them with others.

I recommend that you leverage Sara's biblical basis for her approach to business as a tool to know God and to lead others wisely. Her unprecedented teaching and unmatched marketplace experience provide a means to repeatedly discover God's heart filled with shrewd yet innocent street smarts. When you apply His wisdom to your marketplace life, you will find yourself worshiping God the most where others expect it the least.

- Mitch Kruse
Auctioneer, Author, Speaker

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Table of Contents
  • Preface
  • Chapter 1: Be Leader-Ready: Prepare your life for successful leadership
  • Chapter 2: Establish and Assign Responsibilities: Distribute and coordinate work for collective results
  • Chapter 3: Select the Right Leaders: Choose leaders through wisdom and understanding
  • Chapter 4: Clarify Authority: Prevent problems through proper power structures
  • Chapter 5: Make the Right Decisions: Use faith and wisdom to determine the best choices
  • Chapter 6: Accept Counsel and Correction: Increase your personal effectiveness through openness and continual learning
  • Chapter 7: Understand Commitment and Motivation: Discover the keys to gain willing action from others
  • Chapter 8: Build Commitment and Motivation: Promote willing action from others
  • Chapter 9: Understand Communication Fundamentals: Learn from Biblical communication examples
  • Chapter 10: Prepare Effective Communications: Develop and deliver messages that "hit the mark"
  • Chapter 11: Coach, Mentor, and Model: Guide others to lasting improvements
  • Chapter 12: Develop Effective Teams: Increase collective results by enabling others to work well together
  • Chapter 13: Correct People Compassionately: Address failures with a balance on relationships and results
  • Chapter 14: Address Strife and Resistance: Redirect ineffective behaviors with appropriate and considerate actions
  • Chapter 15: Guard Your Heart: Live a leader-worthy life
  • Afterword
  • Notes
  • Bibliography
  • About the Author

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