Dr. Matt Paden, Dr. L. Ken Jones, The Core: 8 Principles for Building Strong, Authentic Leadership (affiliate link). Nashville: Forefront Books, 2026. 236 pages.
The Core: 8 Principles for Building Strong, Authentic Leadership addresses the core habits and practices of effective leaders. Ken Jones mentored Matt Paden, so this joint project is a tribute to Jones as a teacher and Paden as an attentive student. They have both taught and lectured on leadership for many years, and this book is a summary of what they believe to be the fundamentals of good leadership.
This book is divided into two sections. The first half gives a fictionalized account of a young intern, Clint Smith, as he shadows a hospital president, Bill Jackson. At Jackson’s retirement dinner, Smith reflects on the lessons he learned from Jackson through the years. The second half of the book takes a more traditional approach to discussing fundamental leadership issues.
The authors begin by claiming that “. . . leadership is for everyone” (29). Much of this book presents classic, solid leadership teaching. The authors underscore the need for skilled leaders, arguing, “Almost all business collapses can be traced to poor leadership” (50-51).
The book draws heavily from the story of Esther (53). Haman represents “ego out of control” (56). The authors refer to unbridled ego as the “leadership disease” (56). They caution, “A good leader must be quick to spot the Hamans in his life and organization” (56).
Esther and Mordecai represent wise leadership. The authors suggest that a definition of leadership is found in Esther 10:3, which claims Mordecai “. . . worked for the good of the people” (58). They state, “Leading is not about the welfare of the leader; it’s about the welfare of those being led” (58).
The authors present eight core leadership principles:
- Work for the good of the people
- Keep your ego in check
- Embrace truth
- Lead with your ears
- Show up with grace
- Pace yourself and extend the game
- Be coachable
- Know where you’re going and why (22).
These proven principles represent the core of leadership.
Additional helpful nuggets of wisdom are interspersed throughout this book. The authors suggest that “no wise man is ever arrogant” (137). They also claim that leaders “all leave a wake” (140). They encourage leaders to “lead with your ears” (151).
Christianity clearly provides the foundation for this book. The authors list “5 essential elements to a grace-filled leadership presence,” which are “character, self-awareness, self-control, courage, and awareness for life” (167). They argue that “developing self-awareness in isolation is like trying to shave or put on makeup without a mirror” (169). They suggest that “to lead from the Core, you must develop some sort of reflection practice” (169).
The authors write, “For our purposes, perhaps the best definition of spiritual is ‘having a connection to a higher power’” (189). In my own book on leadership, I consider a spiritual leader to be a leader who is guided by the Holy Spirit.
The book includes a quote from William Barclay, who claimed there are two great days in people’s lives: the day they are born and the day they learn why (213). I have previously heard this quote attributed to others, including Mark Twain. It’s a great truth.
An important aspect of leadership is helping followers recognize the leader’s vision. The authors note, “Even if the leader sees the picture perfectly, others cannot follow unless they, too, have access to that same vision” (222). They conclude, “What better way to work for the good of your people than by inviting them into the fulfilling pursuit of their life’s purpose?” (226).
The Core is an engaging, well-written, solid leadership book. It doesn’t try to cover every facet of leadership. It focuses on what the authors believe to be the core issues. Leaders might aquire additional skills, but they must embrace these eight core elements to be successful.
I particularly enjoyed the fictional section of this book. Much like Lencioni does, the authors weave key truths into an engaging story. Due to the limited space, the narrative is brief and focused on leadership principles. But the story puts flesh on those principles and demonstrates what leadership looks like in practice.
I can identify with Ken Jones, as I used to be a school president. I learned much of what I know about leadership while serving in that role. It can be challenging for a scholar to write on leadership, as they often lack first-hand experience that might modify their theories. But both authors have led organizations and understand the practical side of leadership.
I would have liked to see a more in-depth study of Esther and Mordecai, since their story provides the biblical basis for this book. At times, the authors make statements on leadership without spelling out their reasoning as fully as I would have liked. Nevertheless, this book is a great tool for leaders, especially new leaders. It’s 233 pages and moves at a comfortable clip. I recommend it.
Rating: 3
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