Bob Fryling is author of “The Leadership Ellipse: Shaping How You Lead by Who You Are” and serves as publisher of InterVarsity Press and Vice President of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He writes, speaks and teaches in the areas of spiritual formation, leadership, Christian faith and culture. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Alice, an author and spiritual director. Together they have co-authored three books.
Here are 10 questions with leader Bob Fryling
When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
I first wanted to be an astronomer. I loved math and the stars and had my own telescope.
What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
I worked for Ford Motor Company as an engineer but probably learned more about people than about cars. I interacted with people who were trying to do an honest day’s work as well as others that weren’t! Consequently I learned the tremendous importance and even power of integrity in working with others.
Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
Max De Pree, former President and Chairman of Herman Miller Co. has been an informal mentor to me through his writings (Leadership is an Art) and many lunches and conferences together over the years. Max always asks good questions and has a tremendous sensitivity and care for people. He has great wisdom and is willing to share it.
Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
Henri Nouwen’s book, In the Name of Jesus, has been a book I have read many times because Nouwen is able to speak profoundly and authentically about the spiritual temptations leaders face. It is a convicting but liberating book as well.
What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Pastoral, thoughtful, hard-working
What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Articulating vision and caring for people in an honest and synergistic way that helps us grow as a company while helping others to find satisfaction and joy in their work.
What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
I can become over-committed to what I am doing that I lose track of continually helping others do what they are called to do.
What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Personnel matters are always the hardest – hiring and firing and conflict resolution all take great energy, compassion, courage, wisdom and follow-through.
What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
People tend to think in terms of structural power that I might have but most real effective power is in strong relationships and working hard to serve others well.
If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Pay attention – to yourself, to others, to other leaders and to the Lord. Take time to continually learn and grow by the advice of others and the inner promptings of the Spirit. Read. Pray. Listen.
Thanks Bob! In keeping with Bob’s answers, what is one principle someone gave you that has helped you in your leadership today? Who are you learning from today?
Excellent look at a man who is a class act, one of America's influential Christian leaders. I met him as a fellow student at Wheaton College (the one in Illinois that Billy Graham actually graduated from, if you caught yesterday's news!) in the 1990s. In class, he was humble, not acknowledging what he did for a living, working hard to learn from other students.
Thanks for that tribute!
I love this insight from a man who clearly has learned by doing. What struck me most was what Bob stated as his weakness: overcommitting himself so that he can't continually help others. I'll be thinking about that one for a while. Thanks for some great questions!
Yea, some lessons are the kind that seemingly can only be learned by experience. Thanks!