The title of this blog is my life purpose, relating to Luke 12:48, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
Much is Given
These words involve my purpose in life and what God has given me in the way of gifts and talents, and what experiences, joys, hardships, and tragedies that have entered my path over the years. What do I do with everything mentioned in the previous sentence and how do I use them to impact people? One of the ways I chose was writing a book.
Why I Wrote The Furnace of Leadership Development
Since the mid-1990s, my wife, daughters, and many of my co-workers encouraged me to write a book so I could share my experiences and lessons learned with others. Some of my fondest memories as a fire department battalion chief were the times I visited with the crews and during mealtimes. Often, we discussed leadership, decision-making, personal development, and lessons learned. The desire to do the same thing and impact others beyond my personal reach compelled me to write the book.
I’m happy to say that in January 2020, my book became an Amazon international best seller. In April of this year, I relaunched the book and again, I’m thrilled to report that the book became an Amazon international best seller for the second time.
Why Should You Read The Furnace of Leadership Development?
Have you ever read a book where the author writes stories about mistakes other people make, but they only talk about their successes? The Furnace of Leadership Development is not like that. I write about my good, my bad, and my ugly, because people relate more to authentic examples than to hypothetical illustrations or academic research. In my book readers learn:
- The pain and rewards of integrity
- Why organizational monsters are created and how to deal with them
- How anger becomes a consuming fire and other topics that help people develop and grow as leaders.
Testimonials
- “Rick Davis has written an effective and timely leadership book based on his military and professional firefighting experience. These are real-world experiences that provide principles, lessons, tactics and strategies to life that will help the reader become a more effective and successful leader. Of particular value, are Rick’s use of biblical affirmations that reinforce the lessons he shares by affirming their values and timelessness.” Cheryl L.
- “As I read his book, I found myself saying “Why hasn’t anyone discussed this.” Some of the leadership challenges he discussed fall in the grey area. He is not afraid to say he made a wrong decision, then explains the challenges he created for himself and how he became a better leader learning from it.” Craig H.
- “If you are or will be a leader — whether by formal position or by informal influence – this book is for you. Written by military veteran and retired fire battalion chief Rick Davis, The Furnace of Leadership Development provides a uniquely solid perspective of true leadership: what makes an effective leader, why, and how you can be that effective leader.” Melissa T.
The holiday season is upon us.
Next week is Thanksgiving, the stores are already selling Christmas decorations, and people are looking for gifts. Books make a great gift, and you can get a paperback or eBook copy of The Furnace of Leadership Development at The Furnace of Leadership Development: How… by Davis, Rick (amazon.com).
Also, visit my website to read the Story Behind the Book at Story Behind the Book – Fire Officer Leadership Academy.
