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Ouachita pres. examines how Jesus led various types of people


ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (BP)–Insight for leaders in dealing with various types of people is the focus of a new book by Ouachita Baptist University President Andrew Westmoreland.

A key facet of “Leading by Design” focuses on how Jesus interacted with 12 types of people Westmoreland has identified –- such as those who are “eager,” “demanding,” “cautious” and “hurried.”

Describing Christ as Creator, Lord and Savior –- and the ultimate leader — Westmoreland said, “He has unique insight into the human heart” and “is the source of all wisdom.”

“Outstanding leaders see beneath the surface of others’ words and deeds to gain insight into the powerful effects of unseen hopes and fears,” Westmoreland, an avid student of leadership development and theory, wrote in the book’s introduction. “They recognize that individuals on a team may have different desires and different motivations, so they tailor their communication to maximize the success of each person.”

The best leaders “have a positive impact on virtually every life they touch, and they possess the characteristics of insight, wisdom and courage,” Westmoreland, who is in his eighth year as OBU president, wrote.

With the 12 types of people identified in the book as those who are present in the lives of most leaders, Westmoreland hopes to help readers “step back and evaluate what they’re doing (or not doing) to practice Christ-centered leadership. I intended the book to be as practical as possible. I also wanted it to be a fast read because many of us are the hurried types of people that I describe in the book.”

Along with numerous personal anecdotes throughout the book, Westmoreland ends each chapter with a series of questions that underline key points on leadership and invite interaction.

Proceeds from the sale of “Leading by Design” will benefit Ouachita’s student scholarship fund.
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To learn more about the book, visit LeadbyDesign.biz.

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  • Rebecca Jones