The Frustrated Leader

Using Frustration to Accomplish Your Vision

By: Myron Edmonds

Narrated by: L. David Harris

In his groundbreaking 1987 book Leadership Is an Art, Max De Pree says, “The first job of a leader is to define reality.” Well, this is another groundbreaking book that defines the reality of leadership itself.

While so many leadership books either romanticize or theorize leadership, The Frustrated Leader tells the brutal truth of the matter: Leadership necessarily entails frustration. But the genius of this remarkable work is that it defines frustration as a positive force rather than a negative one. Then, having reframed frustration, Myron Edmonds shows us how to harness the energy of frustration for the achievement of a leadership prowess that can never be achieved without it.

When you listen to Edmond’s unique leadership treatise, it will penetrate your mind at three levels.

First, The Frustrated Leader is unexpectedly therapeutic in that it is a work of empathy with those who occupy leadership positions. Seriously, you be like, “Wow, this guy gets my situation. I guess I'm not alone.” No, you’re not alone. Your frustration is not unique. It is, according to Edmonds, nearly the definition of leadership. So you don't need to be feel guilty about your frustration. Rather, you need to reframe it and use it, which leads to the next way in which the book will impact you.

Secondly, The Frustrated Leader is extremely practical...so practical that it hurts, but in a good way. It doesn't merely hypothesize about leadership—it practicalizes (there’s a new word for you) leadership. Edmonds explains to us what it actually looks like to be a leader and prescribes specific actions and attitudes you can, and should, implement to master the art of effective leadership.

Thirdly, The Frustrated Leader is powerfully motivating. While Edmonds tells us some hard truths and insists that there is a very real sense in which the leader is alone in the vision they see, which is precisely why they are the leader, he constructs a vision of leadership itself that will make you want to wear the leadership mantle with fresh perspective and new energy.

You will discover this audiobook to be immensely usable. You will find yourself returning to it over and over again to be reminded of the salient sentences you heard. Yes, you will be making note of them while you listen. The book is that good!

©2019 MyRon Edmonds (P)2019 MyRon Edmonds

Thought provoking look at annoyance!

This book was such a great read. Dr. Myron Edmonds sheds so much needed light on the various obstacles that I have faced both in the professional and religious work environments. And the reader, L. David Harris, did a great job bringing the book to life. After each chapter both men would have an unscripted breakout session that dived deep into the subject just read. This was new and different to other audio books--and I have listened to many. It was a great addition to the experience.

As a leader, I would put this book right next to the likes of "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business", in that it takes a common idea and extracts so much wisdom needed to be successful. This is a must read!

Relevant Reading for any Frustrated Leader

Myron does an excellent job portraying the characteristics of leaders with compelling visions but have become frustrated with the inability to move the vision forward. Using the frustration as a source of power, leaders in their homes, businesses or churches will be ready to take in the challenges they face on a daily basis.
The topping on the cake is the opportunity to hear directly from the author, after each chapter. Gaining perspective and real life examples that shaped the content of the chapter.
Let your frustration catapult you to new heights!

Great Book On Leadership!

This book does a great job of providing examples to use your frustrations as a catalyst to produce positive results!
The conversations with the author at the end each chapter are also great insight!

Great book!

Add it Now to Your 2020 Reading List!

Dr. Myron Edmonds has contributed an awesome framework to the body of leadership literature. The reading is professionally done and I appreciated the author's discussion at the end of each chapter. Most importantly, this book has given me insights into both understanding leadership frustration and how to solve my own. To get the most out of it, I recommend you actually do the exercises mentioned and journal your thoughts as you listen/read. This is one book I'll definitely be re-reading this year. Get yours now.

A book for ALL leaders.

Just finished listening to the audio version, and I would highly recommend that every leader get their “ears” on this book. Regardless of your profession, this book will speak to you, and challenge you in a special way. I also appreciated the bonus interviews at the end of each chapter. I can’t wait to listen again soon. Thanks Dr. Edmonds!

A Must Read for Every Church Leader

This book literally brought me off the edge as a church leader. My frustration was at the point that I didn’t want to have anything to do with church ministry or church folk but the idea of using frustration as fuel was a moment of awakening for me. To know that God already has the solution and all He needs is action gave me a sense of empowerment.
If you’re a church leader or work with folks who you find out of step when it comes to getting things done this book is for you.

Great Read for any in leadership!!

I liked this book a lot! It help me understand that as a leader, I can use frustration as my tool for success. Frustration doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s how you look at it. Frustration is “energy” to motivate for achieving something great...!