"Clout"

I can think of very few people, especially leaders, who wouldn’t like to have more clout. Unfortunately, in many cases they want to obtain it in the wrong ways. That’s why I’m thankful for Jenni Catron’s new book. Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence was just released last week and it’s worth reading if you want to develop clout in the right way. On the other hand, if you’re looking for 3 easy steps or a shortcut to greater influence, this isn’t the book for you. Jenni offers a convicting look at 7 “clout killers” and an encouraging review of 4 “clout cultivators.” She develops these through her own story and those of others who had clout (and some who didn’t). “Clout killers” may not be a term that you normally use. And even if you do, you may think about how other people or factors limit your clout. You’re not alone. The human tendency is to blame a bad boss or a dishonest competitor or a lazy employee or just poor luck. But Catron shows that the real clout killers are within us. That’s good news and bad news – we can do something about them, but it requires hard, soul-searching work. I appreciate Jenni’s honesty in sharing her own struggles with clout killers. I’m not as brave as she is, but I can assure you that I recognized more than one in my own life as read Clout. I also appreciate Jenni’s ability to lace hope and encouragement throughout the pages of the book. Even as she challenges readers to address the dark sides of their lives, she points to the powerful ways that God can overcome these obstacles. And she guides them to the clout cultivators that can help a person discover and release God’s unique design in their own lives. As you read Clout and apply its concepts, I hope that you will discover the joy of a fresh and life-giving way to lead. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>