Lessons in being an effective leader even when unprepared

Baltimore Entrepreneur Jim Rafferty’s debut book, Leader by Accident: Lessons in Leadership, Loss and Life, from Morgan James Publishing, examines how average people can grow into effective leaders, based in his own experience in the wake of a community tragedy.

In Leader by Accident, Rafferty details his highly-relatable, personal journey as an “accidental” leader who stepped into a difficult situation and brought his wisdom and humor to help heal a Boy Scout Troop in crisis.

“Anyone can be unexpectedly thrust into a leadership role they are unprepared for, especially today as the COVID-19 global pandemic has people taking on new responsibilities without adequate training or preparation,” Rafferty said. “Unlike the many books about famous leaders and leadership strategies, this book examines my experiences as a ‘regular’ person who didn’t seek the role, felt utterly unprepared, and yet rose to the challenge to bring change, growth and leadership.”

Rafferty’s unexpected leadership experience stems from 2008 when the local community was rocked by the murder of his son’s Boy Scout troop leader, wife and two sons by their oldest son, then 15 years old. In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, Rafferty stepped outside of his comfort zone and discovered unknown leadership qualities within himself.

Although he couldn’t tell a sheepshank knot from a timber hitch, he learned to lead both by example and by using a thoughtful approach to the development process. The support of other Troop parents, and the way he used their skills to full advantage, also contributed his growth into an effective Scoutmaster.

Those experiences as a volunteer leader provided the fuel for another unexpected journey a few years later when Rafferty found himself choosing an entrepreneurial path for the first time in his life. Leader by Accident provides a series of parallels between lessons taught to the young men of the Boy Scout troop and real-world wisdom for anyone in a leadership role, or wanting to become a leader.

In addition to providing a road map for accidental leaders in all walks of life, the book is also packed with insights into living a life with meaning for oneself and for others. Lessons in the book are poignantly conveyed through talks with the young men of the Scout Troop, inspiring anecdotes that helped shape Rafferty’s life and leadership skills, and candid thoughts that challenge the reader to take that first step and have no regrets.

Leader by Accident will be released on October 5, 2021. Advance copies are available at leaderbyaccident.com.

Praise for Leader by Accident

"It is a very rare book that packs so much wisdom (and wit) about leadership and life into so few pages. I couldn’t put it down.”

—Robert M. Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense 2006-2011, National President of the Boy Scouts of America 2014-2016

"Leader by Accident is a conversation offering invaluable lessons of character, perseverance, and hope. It leaves one transformed and inspired. Timely and timeless, it’s a necessary read.”

—Congressman C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger, United States House of Representatives, Maryland, 2nd District and Life Scout

"Jim’s book will make you realize we all can be leaders by accident. His personal journey is very relatable, with inspiring anecdotes that helped shape his life. His candid thoughts will make you think about taking that first step and having no regrets.”

—Neil Hartman, Award-winning television sportscaster and current Director for the Center for Sports Communication and Social Impact at Rowan University

"Jim, with his humor and adept storytelling, has done us all a great service. He has given us a refreshing look at how we can all stand up and be leaders. The message is pretty direct: When the call comes, and you see the opportunity, you can lead.

—Neal Woodson, Author, The Uncomplicated Coach

"Many books have been written on leadership, yet there remains a shortage of leaders in all aspects of life. This book highlights ways everyone can take a leadership role and ways to make that role effective."

—Fred Strader, United States Army, Retired

About the Author

Jim Rafferty is a well-established marketing and consulting veteran in the Baltimore area where he founded and runs JMRketing. He served as Scoutmaster for the Timonium, MD Boy Scout Troop 328 from 2008 to 2013. His prior professional experience includes more than two decades as a marketer and sales manager in the home improvement industry, as well as a background in radio as an announcer and Program Director in markets including Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Rafferty graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Radio-TV Communications in 1981. He was additionally the President of Pi Lambda Chi fraternity. Today, Rafferty resides in Timonium, MD