I don't generally like to read books on leadership - I suppose partly because I'm not a very good leader, and partly because so much of it seems more like salesmanship to me. But... I picked up a little book titled, "You Don't Need A Title To Be A Leader" by Mark Sanborn. One thing I like already is that it's only 100 pages (there should be a rule that all books should be no more than 100 pages - in my book anyway). I just read about a forth of the way through it, and I like it so far. It's easy to read, has short chapters, and makes sense. If I ran a business I would probably make it required reading for all my employees - especially if it was any type of public service place (I'm thinking of some restaurant workers right now...). Anyway... he somewhat bases the book (or expands from) John Maxwell's definition of leadership (and if you know me you know I'm not a big Maxwell fan, but I'll agree with him on this). Maxwell describes leadership as "positive influence." And Sanborn's thing is all about "little l" leadership, rather than "capital L". He says it's "about the small things each of us can do every day to positively influence our customers, our colleagues, our friends, and our communities." He says, "When you do your job - any job - with initiative and determination to make a positive difference, you become a leader." Which he sums up even better by saying, "People who lead - whether or not they have a title - strive to make things better." Yeah. I think we need more people like that. "I" want to be more that kind of a person. He also distinguishes between fame and greatness. So many people want to be famous, but what about great? In his opinion, "fame is based on what we GET in life, but true greatness is based on what we GIVE in life."
So, anyway, that's what I'm reading right now. I hope it continues to be good. This year I would like to read fewer books, but spend more time learning from what I read, and maybe putting into practice some of what I read. Leadership is certainly something I need to work on - not only for me to become a better leader, but also to help others grow as leaders. You know, having a positive influence on others in such a way that they will want to have a positive influence on others... hmm, sounds like something Jesus would do. How 'bout that.
Peace, folks. Rock on.
5 comments:
I second what you said about 100 pages. I have total book ADD; that is, I can rarely finish a book before something new comes along. I am about a fourth of the way through like 7 books right now. I was reading "Exiles" by Michael Frost, but I got "Leaving Church" by Barbara Brown Taylor for Christmas. Sheesh.
This year I would like to START fewer books, but FINISH more books. Then what you said about "spend more time learning from what I read, and maybe putting into practice some of what I read."
This book about leadership you mentioned sounds good.
I've heard of a lot of people who have read (and recommended) "Exiles", and I also just had someone suggest I read "Leaving Church." IIIIIIIf you ever finish them, let me know what you think. :)
Pffft! Leadership is wildly overrated (insert Canucklehead political observation, here: ___ ). Shepherding is a lost art, and Anarchy is so totally misunderstood that it can't yet qualify as being underrated.
You are a man who is there, and who cares for the people around him. Anything (words included) that can help or encourage you to be that to an even greater degree is the medicine you need.
Thanks, WP. I agree with your assesment of leadership. If it's merely getting people to follow (as many say), then Jim Jones was a great leader. I want no part of that business.
I don't care how charismatic he was, I would have been like "KOOL-AID?! Can't we afford carbonated drinks? Didn't ANYONE bring a cooler? I just want a Coca-Cola! Heck, I'd even settle for a Faygo! That's it, I'm outta here!"
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