Is it possible for our institutions of work to become, in the words of American political analyst Yuval Levin, ‘soul-forming institutions’? If so, what does leadership become? In this book, Dr. Millis clears a path and points the way for those willing to set out on this journey. The personal stories she asks us to ponder and put into practice transform abstract ideas such as ‘deep engagement’ into living realities. Leadership becomes a personal quest and calling.

— from the Foreword by Rob Lehman, Fetzer Institute

Impressively well written, organized and presented, Deepening Engagement: Essential Wisdom for Listening and Leading with Purpose, Meaning and Joy is an inherently fascinating and informative read and highly recommended for both community and academic Self-Help/Self-Improvement/Personal Growth reference collections.

— Midwest Book Review 2015-05-01

Educator, spiritual director, and consultant Millis (Conversation: The Sacred Art) proposes a new method to help individuals and communities connect more honestly with one another. Millis suggests a way to move from deep listening to deep engagement on any scale. Chapter titles are short maxims, like “be who you are" and “use everything," that are developed into invitations to pause, ponder, and practice each chapter's core concept. Some ideas help readers examine their own lives, while “listen generously" and “ask meaningful questions" are guidelines that can be applied to relationships with others. Drawing on her work teaching leadership skills with the Fetzer Institute and the Lilly Endowment, Millis writes that strong communities can be founded on honest engagement and the willingness to improvise. Appealing to both corporate leaders and self-help readers, Millis writes with heart and compassion without veering into fuzziness or jargon. She includes a good bibliography for those wishing to deepen their explorations of her ideas. (Apr.)

— Publisher's Weekly

This beautiful gem of a book sparkles with clarity, gently inviting the reader to open-heartedly engage self, other, and community. A must-read for anyone wanting to listen and/or lead authentically and effectively.

— Margaret Benefiel, Executive Director, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and author, Soul at Work and The Soul of a Leader

Diane Millis has once again provided a magnificent soul searching resource with her new book Deepening Engagement. Drawing on a deep well of writings Millis has created a dynamic journey for the reader to develop a simple, yet powerful practice to truly engage both the inner and exterior world.  A true treasure for both individuals and small groups that I will make great use of.

— The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior, Bishop, Episcopal Church in Minnesota

Whether read alone or in groups (I'd recommend groups!), this book is a marvelous guide to all who seek to venture into the self-renewing spiritual depths awaiting us.

— John Wimmer, program director, Religion, Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Deepening Engagement by Diane Millis is deeply engaging!  It gets to the heart of engagement by seeing it as an inside-out, holistic dynamic of engaging oneself, others and the community to contribute on-purpose and in-service.

        — Kevin Cashman, Senior Partner of Korn Ferry and author, Leadership from the Inside Out and The Pause Principle

"Authentic leadership" begins with reflective leaders, and reflective leaders tune to the "sound of the genuine" in themselves, their colleagues, and their communities. This wise, luminous volume trains the ear to listen and the heart to be still.

— Marty Stortz, Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation at Augsburg College