Opportunity Leadership: Stop Planning to Start Getting Results at Work and Home

INTERVIEW EPISODE WITH Dr. Roger Parrott

I have well over 125 books on leadership written by Christian men, most of whom are pastors. They are all great books, but I’ve always wrestled with the tension between the secular business model of leadership that many larger churches have adopted.

I might have to throw them all away and replace them with Roger Parrott's book, Opportunity Leadership: Stop Planning and Start Getting Results. You read the subtitle correctly. Stop planning. Roger Parrott is the President of Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi named one of “America’s Best Colleges to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Roger was named one of “The 10 Most Visionary Education Leaders of 2021” by Education Magazine and is one of the longest-serving university presidents in America having served for 30 years.

Roger explains how ‘Opportunity Leadership’ differs from its secular counterpart with his boat illustration, “We may feel proud when powerboats of ministry are big, well built, and polished, but even a small poorly crafted and worn sailboat will outdistance a powerboat every time—because only the sailboat can catch the wind of God.”

His good ole boy humility was refreshing considering he is the longest active college president at 34 years and counting. We turn his leadership style back towards men and they seek to lead their families well. This is a great conversation!

Sailing with Jesus,

Jim Ramos
President of Men in the Arena