At CSA Search & Consulting, we believe great leadership starts with continuous learning. Each month, our team will highlight a book that has shaped how we think, lead, and serve our clients. From timeless leadership principles to modern insights, CSA Bookshelf is designed to share ideas that drive impact across collegiate athletics and higher education. This month we will hear from Senior Consultant for CSA, Craig Littlepage.
Reviewer: Craig Littlepage, Senior Consultant
Book: Lead… for God’s Sake! by Todd Gongwer
Why I Chose This Book
Throughout my career in higher education and intercollegiate athletics, I have always believed that the most effective leaders are those who prioritize service, integrity, and the development of others. Leadership is often associated with titles, authority, or visibility, but the leaders who create the greatest long-term impact are those who lead with humility and purpose. That mindset is what drew me to Lead… for God’s Sake! by Todd Gongwer.
Through a compelling story centered on leadership, purpose, and personal growth, Gongwer challenges readers to think differently about success and influence. The book reinforces the idea that leadership is not about personal achievement, but about positively impacting the people around you. In today’s evolving collegiate athletics environment, those lessons are more important than ever.
Key Takeaways
One of the book’s most impactful messages is that leadership begins with humility. Gongwer emphasizes that effective leaders focus less on personal recognition and more on helping others succeed. Leaders who build trust, invest in relationships, and genuinely care about the people they serve create stronger and more sustainable organizations.
Another important takeaway is that leadership is rooted in trust and influence rather than position. Titles alone do not inspire people — consistency, integrity, and authenticity do. The book highlights how leaders earn credibility through their actions and through the culture they establish within their teams and organizations.
The author also reinforces the importance of purpose-driven leadership. Great leaders understand their “why” and align their decisions, behaviors, and priorities with a mission greater than themselves. That clarity of purpose helps create stronger cultures and more meaningful outcomes.
Finally, Gongwer reminds readers that leadership is a daily choice. The small decisions leaders make every day ultimately shape their character, influence, and legacy.
Why It Matters for Leaders
For leaders in athletics, higher education, and beyond, Lead… for God’s Sake! provides an important reminder that leadership is fundamentally about relationships and people. In periods of change, uncertainty, and increasing pressure, organizations benefit most from leaders who remain grounded in values, prioritize relationships, and lead with authenticity.The book reinforces that successful leadership is not measured solely by wins, titles, or financial outcomes, but by the positive and lasting impact leaders have on the individuals and communities they serve. Those principles remain timeless regardless of industry or profession.