360 Degree Leader

I just finished reading the 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell and I wanted to share some golden nuggets with you. The book focused on the concept that you do not have to be the main leader or the top leader in the organization to make a significant impact. The book broke down leadership into three categories, leading up principles, leading across, principles, and lead down principles. Leading up principles: -lead yourself exceptionally well -lighten your leaders load -be willing to do what others won’t -do more than manage, lead -invest in relational chemistry -be prepared every time you take your leader’s time -know when to push and when to back off -become a go to person -be better tomorrow than you are today Lead across principles: -listen to others; listen to understand -find common ground -be available beyond business hours -have a sense of humor -tell the truth when others don’t -expand your circle -expand beyond your routine Leading down principles: -spend time among the people, every business is a people business -see everyone as a 10, get more out of your people because you think more of them -develop each team member as a person, catch them doing something right, positive reinforcement -place people in their strength zones; allow them to work in their strengths -model the behavior you desire, change the culture by changing your behavior -transfer the vision, -reward for results, give praise publicly and privately, good leaders take care of their people, if you want to attract and keep good people you will pay them what they are worth Leadership is not a title, it's a behavior. Before you lead others there are things you can do to prepare yourself.