360 Degree Leader : Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization

by Maxwell, John C.

• ISBN13: 9780785260929
• ISBN10: 0785260927
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-01-10
• Publisher: HARPERCOLLINS

Summary

In his nearly thirty years of teaching leadership, John Maxwell has encountered this question again and again: How do I apply leadership principles if I'm not the boss? It's a valid question that Maxwell answers in The 360 Degree Leader . You don't have to be the main leader, asserts Maxwell, to make significant impact in your organization. Good leaders are not only capable of leading their followers but are also adept at leading their superiors and their peers. Debunking myths and shedding light on the challenges, John Maxwell offers specific principles for Leading Down, Leading Up, and Leading Across. 360-Degree Leaders can lead effectively, regardless of their position in an organization. By applying Maxwell's principles, you will expand your influence and ultimately be a more valuable team member.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
SECTION I: THE MYTHS OF LEADING FROM THE MIDDLE OF AN ORGANIZATION
MYTH #1 The Position Myth: "I can't lead if I am not at the top." 4
MYTH #2 The Destination Myth: "When I get to the top, then I'll learn to lead." 8
MYTH #3 The Influence Myth: "If I were on top, then people would follow me." 10
MYTH #4 The Inexperience Myth: "When I get to the top, I'll be in control." 12
MYTH #5 The Freedom Myth: "When I get to the top, I'll no longer be limited." 14
MYTH #6 The Potential Myth: "I can't reach my potential if I'm not the top leader." 17
MYTH #7 The All-or-Nothing Myth: "If I can't get to the top, then I won't try to lead." 19
Section 1 Review	22	(3)
SECTION II: THE CHALLENGES 360-DEGREE LEADERS FACE
CHALLENGE #1 The Tension Challenge: The Pressure of Being Caught in the Middle	25	(9)
Challenge #2 The Frustration Challenge: Following an Ineffective Leader	34	(9)
Challenge #3 The Multi-Hat Challenge: One Head...Many Hats	43	(7)
Challenge #4 The Ego Challenge: You're Often Hidden in the Middle	50	(6)
Challenge #5 The Fulfillment Challenge: Leaders Like the Front More Than the Middle	56	(8)
Challenge #6 The Vision Challenge: Championing the Vision Is More Difficult When You Didn't Create It	64	(9)
Challenge #7 The Influence Challenge: Leading Others Beyond Your Position Is Not Easy	73	(7)
Section II Review	80	(4)
SECTION III: THE PRINCIPLES 360-DEGREE LEADERS PRACTICE TO LEAD UP
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #1 Lead Yourself Exceptionally Well	84	(10)
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #2 Lighten Your Leader's Load	94	(10)
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #3 Be Willing to Do What Others Won't	104	(8)
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #4 Do More Than Manage—Lead!	112	(7)
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #5 Invest in Relational Chemistry	119	(7)
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #6 Be Prepared Every Time You Take Your Leader's Time	126	(8)
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #7 Know When to Push and When to Back Off	134	(11)
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #8 Become a Go-To Player	145	(5)
LEAD-UP PRINCIPLE #9 Be Better Tomorrow Than You Are Today	150	(7)
Section III Review	157	(4)
SECTION IV: THE PRINCIPLES 360-DEGREE LEADERS PRACTICE TO LEAD ACROSS
LEAD-ACROSS PRINCIPLE #1 Understand, Practice, and Complete the Leadership Loop	161	(8)
LEAD-ACROSS PRINCIPLE #2 Put Completing Fellow Leaders Ahead of Competing with Them	169	(6)
LEAD-ACROSS PRINCIPLE #3 Be a Friend	175	(6)
LEAD-ACROSS PRINCIPLE #4 Avoid Office Politics	181	(8)
LEAD-ACROSS PRINCIPLE #5 Expand Your Circle of Acquaintances	189	(8)
LEAD-ACROSS PRINCIPLE #6 Let the Best Idea Win	197	(8)
LEAD-ACROSS PRINCIPLE #7 Don't Pretend You're Perfect	205	(5)
Section IV Review	210	(3)
SECTION V: THE PRINCIPLES 360-DEGREE LEADERS PRACTICE TO LEAD DOWN
LEAD-DOWN PRINCIPLE #1 Walk Slowly Through the Halls	213	(7)
LEAD-DOWN PRINCIPLE #2 See Everyone AS a "10"	220	(8)
LEAD-DOWN PRINCIPLE #3 Develop Each Team Member as a Person	228	(9)
LEAD-DOWN PRINCIPLE #4 Place People in Their Strength Zones	237	(5)
LEAD-DOWN PRINCIPLE #5 Model the Behavior You Desire	242	(6)
LEAD-DOWN PRINCIPLE #6 Transfer the Vision	248	(6)
LEAD-DOWN PRINCIPLE #7 Reward for Results	254	(7)
Section V Review	261	(4)
SECTION VI: THE VALUE OF 360-DEGEE LEADERS
VALUE #1 A Leadership Team Is More Effective Than Just One Leader	265	(4)
VALUE #2 Leaders Are Needed at Every Level of the Organization	269	(5)
VALUE #3 Leading Successfully at One Level Is a Qualifier for Leading at the Next Level	274	(5)
VALUE #4 Good Leaders in the Middle Make Better Leaders at the Top	279	(6)
VALUE #5 360-Degree Leaders Possess Qualities Every Organization Needs	285	(11)
Section VI Review	296	(1)
SPECIAL SECTION: CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT UNLEASHES 360-DEGREE LEADERS	297	(12)
Notes	309	(5)
About the Author	314