You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader

If you were to rummage through my backpack you would find a small book I am reading called, You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader, by Mark Sanborn.

The book is a quick read but I am finding myself going through it slowly because it makes some great points.  Here are just a few I have come across so far:

• In today’s world, much is made of a person’s title.  Yet little actual power exists in a title alone.
• . . . influence and inspiration come from the person, not the position.
• When you do you job–any job–with initiative and determination to make a positive difference, you become a leader.
• The desire to influence the world around us is what real leadership is all about.
• . . . leaders, untitled or otherwise, realize the extraordinary impact they can have on others and the world around them.  They consciously choose to exercise their abilities, skills, and knowledge to help make a difference.
• We spend so much time worrying about our kids being good–not breaking the rules, getting into trouble, and basically behaving–that we often forget to invite them to be great.
• . . . true leadership is “an invitation to greatness that we extend to others.”
• Real leaders bring the same commitment to excellence to whatever they do, whether on the stage or behind it.
• . . . fame is based on what we get in life, but true greatness is based on what we give in life.  It is contribution through action.
• Genuine leaders make things better not just for themselves but for others, whether or not their contribution results in financial reward or popular recognition.

I will be posting more insights as I continue my journey through this book.  In the meantime, perhaps you can pick up a copy yourself and begin stepping out as a leader.