John E Neal

Making the Iron Swim John E Neal

Jack was a lifelong friend and mentor. On the occasion of John's inauguration as a new (and young) college president, Jack sent a congratulatory letter that offers special encouragement to "make the iron swim"--that is, to perform the difficult tasks of leadership so well that it seemed miraculous. Remembering the Old Testament story of the prophet Elisha and his ability to make an ax head float in a river, a leadership study began, incorporating Elisha's life, Jack's encouragement, and John's journey over 30 years. Elisha's life provides an ancient, yet relevant, case study of stepping into a very difficult and public role requiring all the tools of leadership to survive--including regular episodes of divine intervention. Whether you're transitioning into your first significant leadership role, or you've been leading for decades, Elisha's life and Jack's advice provide helpful insights for the challenges you face: the calls to make the iron swim.