Leadership isn’t easy and there will be many times when you and I are going to think that we might as well quit. This could be for a number of reasons, such as feelings of inadequacy, dissent among those you are leading or becoming mentally and physically drained. This book by Dr Samuel R. Chand and Dr Don Brawley III was written to help us through these tough times. This review is Weathering The Storm: Leading in Uncertain Times by Dr Don Brawley III and Dr Samuel R. Chand.

About The Authors

Dr Brawley is the founding pastor of Canaan Land Church International in Atlanta Georgia. He is also the president and founder of the leadership company the Don Brawley Consultancy.
Dr Chand is a Leadership Architect and Change Strategist, and is one of the leading writers on church leadership and growth.

Writing Style

As this book had two authors their writing styles were obviously different. What the authors decided to do was to tackle the each chapter twice, once by each author. Although it was good to get a different perspective on each chapter at times it would also feel like certain points were being reiterated when there was no need for them to be. Both writers had an easy to read writing style although I personally preferred the writing style of Dr Chand.

Favourite Chapter – Firefighters: Positioned to Protect

This chapter explained the importance of having the right people around you when you’re leading. Dr Bawley explains that ‘Firefighters’ are “protectors of vision and purpose”, they are there to help the leader in times of struggle and hardship. As the name suggests they don’t stop fires from occurring, but come into their element when a fire is occurring. I enjoyed this chapter as it made me consider those who I have in my life who are protecting me. What I particularly found interesting were the tips in terms of identifying, encouraging, equipping and empowering your firefighters.

Final Words

This book has a time and a place where it should be read, for me it wasn’t the right time. If I were to read this book when I felt like I was ‘weathering a storm’ I am sure that I would have enjoyed it more. Despite this there were many benefits to this book and if you are not going through a difficult period of time in your leadership there are many nuggets of wisdom in the book which will prepare you for when that time comes (trust me it will!).

Rating 6.5/10