Every year I pray and ask the Lord what it is I am to learn. A few years ago I thought I was going to spend the year learning all about the ins and outs of marketing. As I looked for a book mentor (some books I could glean some good skill knowledge from) I could not find what I was looking for. It was all about chasing the dollar and I have never loved the pursuit of money. Then I found Ken Blanchard’s The Minute Manager. My love for Blanchard’s book led me on a journey to find more like it. Which changed the direction of what I would learn for the entire year. I went from wanting to learn about marketing to learning about how to lead and to influence those around me through leading. Yet, it would not be done by merely telling someone to do something, don’t do something, or change something.
Even more importantly the emphasis was on self-leadership. Would I do the hard work to take responsibility to lead myself? Would I choose to be self-disciplined? Would I choose to be kind? Would I choose to give a helping hand to those around me? Would I take responsibility for my finances? Would I stop blaming the world and start taking responsibility?
Can you lead even though you are not in a position of authority? Can you lead from the middle of the pack? Will you choose to step up even when you don’t have to? The individuals who have this kind of skill and dare I say power can be an ally but can also be an enemy of countries, organizations, and families. It’s the middle of the pack leaders, not necessarily the front leaders to keep an eye on.
What will you do with leadership once you have it? When you have influence what will you do with it? How to Lead When You’re Not In Charge answers these questions and more. If you are looking to change your life’s direction this year. I would highly recommend this book as a place to start.