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4-MAT Book Review
Cleverley Easter
LEAD 510-D10
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Abstract
This book was probably one of my favorite textbooks, I have had to read. The book
“Practicing Greatness, is about how to become a great leader. But also, that is not what it is all
about, there is so much more to it. “This book is not intended as a put-down to good leaders. We
need good leaders, especially if the alternative is more poor leaders. But we are desperate for
great leaders.” (McNeal, 2006) This book not only tells you how to become a leader, but it talks
about becoming the leader God calls us to be. In the seven chapters that the book holds, there is
not one chapter that is less fulfilling then another. Each chapter individually encourages and
shows us faults we can have, I really liked that. The Discipline of self-awareness shows us what
we need to be aware of and samples of how. The part that hit home for me was addiction, this is
something I am very self-aware about. “Without self-awareness of the dynamics of addictions
and compulsions in their lives, leaders are doomed to be driven by them in unhealthy ways.”
(McNeal, 2006) I am very aware of the things I do and how I do them, I have to be. The
discipline of self-management is a huge thing I struggle with but I so loved reading on this
chapter. The parts of depression, grief, all stood out to me, due to my personal journey of losing
my mom. “Some spiritual leaders are haunted by expectations; others are fearful that their poor
money habits will be discovered. Still others struggle with success, while others wrestle with
failure. All of these situations have a common denominator: mismanagement by the leader.”
(McNeal, 2006) I am a very emotion person and over the years I am having to learn how to
handle my own emotion in a healthy way. The discipline of mission this is about your calling
and what path God wants you on. I go over this more in my response below. The discipline of
decision making to me this chapter is very self-explanatory. McNeal says it best and explains
