Surviving Toxic Leaders

Since Jean Lipman-Blumen's The Allure of Toxic Leaders shook the corporate world in 2005, countless articles, books, and Internet blogs have appeared on the topic.Despite such interest and response, no study of toxic leadership had appeared from a Christian point of view until this volume, Kenn Gangel's Surviving Toxic Leaders. Gangel begins by showing that toxic leadership existed throughout biblical history. Making generous use not only of biblical materials but also of contemporary leadership literature, Gangel names the causes and cures of power abuse, cheating, bullying, laziness, and dictatorial behavior in today's leaders.Readers will benefit from Gangel's leadership experience and expertise. He has been a pastor, a college dean (twice), and a college president. Gangel currently edits The Seal, a review of leadership literature. Practical and personal, Surviving Toxic Leaders abounds with stories of real people and their situations. Everyone who has ever had trouble at work will benefit from Surviving Toxic Leaders.What a great book! And what a needed book! It should be placed in the hands of every leader in America . . . and every follower. This is the kind of refreshing clarity, honesty and insight that could change the landscape of the church. Read this book and give it to every Christian you know. It could be the start of a kingdom revolution. --Steve Brown, author, professor at Reformed Seminary (Orlando), and radio speaker on the Key Life Radio BroadcastDr. Kenn Gangel has contributed to Christian leadership greatly through the years. This may well be his greatest contribution. The subject is uncomfortable, to say the least, but is dealt with from careful research and much wisdom. We all wish these conditions did not exist in the church but they do and Gangel has provided valuable help. Every church leader will benefit from his work.--Olan Hendrix, Leadership Resource GroupSurviving Toxic Leaders is sorely needed by leaders today. Toxic leaders can be found in all types of organizations, profit and non-profit. Most I have met in my fifty years in organizational leadership don't have a clue that they are a problem. Gangel, as usual, brings extensive personal research and a lifetime of practical leadership experience to bear on this pervasive issue. If you are seeking to be a godly, nurturing, servant-leader, this book is for you. --Dr. Gilbert A. Peterson, Chancellor of Lancaster Bible College and management consultantSometimes the best way to practice good leadership is to identify and avoid the malpractice of bad leaders. Kenn Gangel has spent a lifetime studying leadership and this book points the way to healthy influence.--Marshall Shelley, Vice President of Christianity Today International, and Editor in Chief of LeadershipKenneth O. Gangel (1935 - 2009) was Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Dallas Seminary, the Scholar-in-Residence at Toccoa Falls College, and a senior consultant with Timothy Partners. He held a BA in business administration, three master's degrees from accredited seminaries, and a PhD in educational administration from the University of Missouri. The author or editor of 55 books, Dr. Gangel lectured in over forty educational institutions worldwide.