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 Broadcast ""Dr. 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 Group ""Surviving 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 consultant ""Sometimes 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
Leadership Kenneth 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.
