This book relied too much on the author's own experiences and his opinions. The book may be helpful to those who are just starting out to be a leader.

This book was a great tool and provided encouragement as the author explored the difference between being a leader or truly wanting to connect and relate to people. Boyd Bailey explores various concepts and habits that help shape leaders into the best they can be while being authentic and relational.

The book nicely combines religion (Christian beliefs) with leadership. The author takes the reader through links between religious practices and 'lessons' one can rely on from the Bible and use them in leadership. Accordingly, the author talks about building trust, mentoring one's staff, being available and guiding the team or the staff.
This is a great book for every leader, but it is religious people who might find it the most helpful.

This was an encouraging book, as a relational person it was good to be reminded of truths that I hold dear from the Bible. Also it helped solidify thoughts I have had about my leadership style.

The book was honestly a little dissapointing. There were a lot of points that he seemed to stress very strongly that I'm not so sure I agreed with and they seemed to be stated as truth rather than the authors opinion which kind of turned me off the book. It caused me to skim through it for nuggets of wisdom and truth versus taking a deep dive.

Boyd Bailey's book, Essential Habits of Relational Leaders, hits every major area that a leader needs to focus on if they want to be truly transparent, relational, loving, and effective. The book doesn't just focus on the outward appearance, but on issues of the heart and how leadership is really just life on life discipleship, but it's focused and intentional. Bailey helps leaders take a look at 30 specific areas of life and really evaluate what they need to do to be a better disciple and leader--and how to do that. Bailey focuses on topics like restoring trust, dealing with conflict, being available, leading with faith instead of feelings, creating a safe home environment, and more. The book is nothing if not practical, and Bailey draws from both the wisdom of scripture and practical, everyday wisdom.

Probably the best approach would be to take a chapter at a time, soak in it, apply it, and journal it. Let it sink in and put it into practice before moving on to the next chapter. I would venture a guess, though, that practically applied, these principles will start to reshape how you lead and have almost immediate results in your own life as well as in the lives of those you lead.

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.