Book Review: “Axiom” by Bill Hybels
Posted By zac on January 20, 2010
Bill Hybels has written a quick-flowing book on leadership called Axiom. While I enjoy reading leadership books, a potential problem with most of them is that they are largely theoretical. Hybels has written a book that is less theory and more experiential. He gives insights from his experience as a leader. The short chapters and the “Links” at the bottom of each chapter make this a valuable reference book, too. The way I read books on leadership is twofold: first, I read it as a leader of others and second, I read it as a leader of myself. In other words, the principles I learn I try to apply not only at work but also in my personal life.
Here are some excellent quotes from Axiom that are useful to me in leading others as well as leading myself:
- “Language matters!”
- “Effective consolidation earns you permission to enter yet another season of growth sometime in your future.”
- “Leaders, don’t ever apologize for the strength of feeling you have for the vision that God has put in your life.”
- “Incremental thinking, incremental planning, incremental prayers — it’s the kiss of death.”
- “Nothing is ever lost by leaving room for the surprising and supernatural emergence of a yes.”
- “I want an environment that helps keep blood pressure stable, the nuttiness quotient low, and fire drills and soap operas to a minimum.”
- “Keep the ‘church’ in church work.”
- “If a bunch of smart people who love God, love the church, and love each other will devote adequate time to these problems, there’s no mountain we can’t move.”
- “Stay prayed up, rested up, and committed to entering the tunnel of chaos whenever the Spirit prompts.”
- “Just say it!”
- “Friend, it’s as green as it’s gonna get in our world.”
- “The way I am doing the work of God is destroying God’s work in me. Something has to change. Soon.”
- “We have to get better about implementing what we can sustain.”
- “When you have clear, objectified data, you can plan better, you can make better decisions, and you can chart a surer course for your church.”
- “When we are focused on the right mission and have the right people executing roles that are consistent with their gifts and calling, I expect to see a bounce in people’s step, a sparkle in their eyes, joy in their hearts, and energy to spare.”
- “What life are you waiting for?”
- “Never once have I regretted taking the high road.”
- “If you are a serious-minded leader, you will read.”
- “We must fight for excellence because it is excellence that honors God.”
- “Admitting your mistakes says something profound about your basic integrity as a leader.”






