What makes the difference between those who aspire to lead and those who actually do it? What does anyone need to know about themselves and others, in order to be ready to lead? How might society benefit from persons who give time and energy to learn the skills of leadership readiness? This book offers a lifelong resource for persons committed to improving their own personal effectiveness as a key step toward leading--in whatever the context, at whatever level. The concepts and terms in this book become tools that strengthen self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Exercises at the end of each chapter stimulate real-life learning, as one practices specific skills that create confidence in being ""ready to lead."" ""All of us who have found ourselves floundering when someone or something sets us off, will benefit from learning how to stay centered based on our own leadership tendency. But the real value of this book is in how it helps us to find constructive ways to deal with people with other leadership tendencies by building on their assets and helping them regain their center when things go awry."" --Bill Reinhold, General Presbyter, Presbytery of Coastal Carolina, PC (USA) ""Ready to Lead is a fabulous book for anyone who sits in a leadership position . . . this book is a must read. Beverly and George Thompson are incredibly gifted individuals . . . with fresh voices in the leadership arena and honest and candid servant-leader hearts. The Leading Assessment is a wonderful new tool for leaders. Rarely do you get a tool that is versatile enough to capture traits for both centered and un-centered situations. Self-knowledge about difficult times is a fresh approach to discussions on leadership."" --Susan N. Roberts, PCUSA Elder, Librarian, and Educator Beverly Thompson and George Thompson are teachers, trainers, coaches, authors, and pastors. Beverly has experience in nursing and gerontology and is a spiritual director. George has taught leadership theory and practice for many years, with several books published on culture, power, and change. They live in Red Springs, NC, where they serve as missional transformation coaches for the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina and as co-pastors. This is their third book together.