Tall Poppy

How to Lead without Losing Your Head

In New Zealand, they have a saying: “Keep a low profile or, like the tall poppy, stand tall and get your head cut off.” While there are risks to standing out, there are also benefits: tall poppies have the best view and are positioned to have the clearest vision of the horizon. Leadership has an up-side but also a down-side, and leaders must attend to both. Tall poppy leadership attracts attention, but it is a mixed blessing. These leaders leave their mark, shape the environment, and prepare the ground for others. Like tall poppies, they have a clear view of the lay of the land, not just for themselves but for their followers. To reap the benefits of being the first to harvest, they risk becoming easy targets for those who are jealous, petty, or have a hunger for power.

This practical book helps leaders weigh the costs and benefits of leadership as they assess their own situations. It shows leaders how to move forward through inevitable conflict, while attending to the landmines and hazards of congregational life. After reading this book, leaders will lead with more confidence, be better able to keep the vision and avoid distraction of immediate crises.