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People expect the author of two books on leadership to be an expert in the field, but Jim Seybert admits to having limited skills as a leader. He does, however, possess a keen eye for the nuance of effective leading and a knack for seeing things from different angles. The result is a counter intuitive approach to the subject that offers what he refers to as a revised perspective. You can follow him on Facebook facebook.com/jimseybert

Thank you Jim for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

My latest book - Leadership Re:Vision - was published by Tyndale House in February, so I'm just winding down the first wave marketing and promotion. Leadership Re:Vision is an attempt to encourage people in leadership positions to question their own assumptions about how and why they lead. I write from a Christian perspective and I am very critical of the way otherwise devoted followers of Christ run their businesses in a decidedly un-Christian manner. The book is 30 chapters that challenge conventional wisdom and rattle traditional chains. 

Have you received any awards for your work?

My mom really likes both of my books. I know it sounds trite, but I do get a terrific buzz when readers respond via email.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Absolutely. I am very verbal. A raging introvert, but comfortable in front of groups. One-on-one is a bit more difficult for me. I was a radio talk show host for years and sharing ideas with an audience is a real thrill. Because I'm so verbal, the books tend to sound like me so reading selections is natural. Q&A time is a kick, as long as it's in a group. When we're done, I like to retreat to my room for some alone time to recharge my batteries.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

Both. The books provide a platform for other professional engagements by introducing my philosophy. And I know there's a certain added legitimacy connected with being published. The inverse is also true, in that my work is based on observations I've made over many years as a corporate employee and private consultant.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

Counter Intelligence is a monthly eColumn emailed directly to readers on every continent except Antarctica. It is 350-400 words on a single topic designed to help people think differently about something. I also write a 6-times per year column in a trade publication for Christian speciality stores, plus blogging, Facebook and Twitter. (Does 140 characters count as "other works"?)

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Yes. There are occasions where I am asked to facilitate a retreat or meeting because people have read my stuff and wanted to dig deeper in their specific area of interest. Social marketing also allows a much more immediate connection to readers.

What will your next project be?

I believe deeply in the value of the StrengthFinders assessment first published by Donald Clifton and Marcus Buckingham (Now, Discover Your Strengths). The assessment includes 34 Strength Themes and I am looking for personalities in the Bible that exemplify each of the themes. Each chapter will tell the person's story and relate how their strength theme helped them accomplish something unique. I've also been asked to consider bundling a collection of my previous monthly columns into book form, how easy would that be?

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Spinning straw into gold is one of my favorite things. Taking a common idea and finding a new application, helping someone see new potential in an old product, or looking for ways to maximize something - that stuff just rings my bell. One of the greatest feelings known to humans is the 10 to 15 seconds that exists between sharing sharing a new idea and having someone tell you it won't work. I live for those 10 to 15 seconds of thrill. The second best feeling is proving them wrong.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Quality writing is a key ingredient in making a name that will last. With social media and Internet promotion, anyone can make a name for themselves. "Made" names are usually short-lived. Write well and you'll "earn" the name. Besides that, I am a bit old school in seeing great value in the counsel of a legitimate publisher and an agent. Both add a level of reality and diligence that I find beneficial.

How did you get started as a writer?

A ninth grade English teacher praised a story and encouraged me to join the Writer's Club. What a bunch of misfits. Circumstances after school led to my becoming a radio news reporter which forced me to think and write more clearly than ever before. Fast Forward to 2002 when my friend, now my agent, Mark Sweeney suggested I edit my monthly columns into a book proposal. That proposal hasn't sold yet, but subsequent ideas did catch the attention of Jon Farrar at Tyndale House and we've done two projects with them.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

That's impossible to answer without qualifications that would be longer than the answer. In true definition of the word "favorite" I would have to say I do not have a favorite book.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Not at all like the previous day. My personality is very non-linear. I'm not sure if you'd call it multi-tasking because I don't do two things at once, but rather zoom from one thing to the next and back again. Whatever is the shiniest thing right now will grab my attention. My daughter has a new puppy and she reminds me of me when we take walks. Never a straight line, smells everything, back-tracks.

Now, when I am in "writing mode" it's a different story. I find it very difficult to write at home. My typical book project will involve periods of 4 to 6 days at a stretch where I seclude myself in a remote place and focus completely on the work; writing until I need to sleep, eating when I'm starving, getting up in the middle of the night to write. If I'm at a place that provides maid service, I tell the front desk there's no need for service during my stay because I never know when I'm going to be awake or asleep. It's a truly dysfunctional approach but it works for me.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

Stephen King is my favorite storyteller. Eric Metaxas brings me to tears with the precision of his prose. The philosopher Dallas Willard challenges me and keeps my brain alive. The New York Times has a certain reverence for a more formal style of reporting. I appreciate that.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

The theme from "I Love Lucy." My daughter's dog is named Lucy. I am one of the designated dog-sitters. It is difficult to look into her eyes and not sing, "I love Lucy and she loves me. We're as happy as we can be . . . "

Thank you Jim - we wish you great success with your future leadership projects!