In his very inspiring book, You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader, author Mark Sanborn presents to the reader how everyone stands to be a good leader in their lives by making a positive impact in the lives of many others in their own unique ways. He presents a number of unsung heroes and how they used something in their possession to make a difference in other people’s lives even when they were not recognized as leaders. It takes picking a piece of broken bottle from the side walk to be a hero or heroine. A number of children might be kicking objects and that broken bottle might end up causing a disaster. These are some of the few things that people should engage in not because that is their job but because they are giving a helping hand n their own small ways.
The highlights of the book, which make most meaning to the reader are the sic principles of leadership. They include The Power of Self Mastery, The Power of Focus, The power of People, The Power of Persuasive Communication, The Power of Execution and The Power of Giving. The reader gets to know more about the powers held in these principles by relating to the stories which Sanford gives. There is a lot of good and inspiring information written in there that can make a person pick a broken bottle from the sidewalk. It takes a simple task to make a difference and his is the starting point of leadership.
This book is very good for all those people who need a little motivation to just to go by their noble activities. It does not call for a person in a powerful position to give a lending hand to help in any way. Each one of us has their unique keys which can be helpful at the workplace in enhancing careers. This goes beyond the work environment and into every aspect of life. Good work goes a long way into making a positive impact in the lives of those people we live with. Sanborn captures the aspect of always doing well and going your way. Leading is a gift that people should make good use of because it inspires other people in a positive way. When people are motivated, it is not surprising that they get inspired. It does not matter the level where one is, all that matters is that they achieve their potential and inspire others.
The book is good for all those people who want to learn to lead. Leaders learn through examples given by other people. The examples of responsibility and leadership qualities can serve as a blue print for others to know all that is expected of them as leaders and also as responsible citizens. The book serves as a leadership development tool that everyone can use in order to know how to make a difference. Leadership goes beyond the title and anyone, regardless of their position in society passes for a leader if they do the right thing, at the right time and for the right cause. It is only through this way that people can learn to be of great service and not wait to be served. When people take up responsive positions, it is no doubt that they become good examples to be emulated and these are the examples that do not look at leadership as a title or bestowed position.
There are a few things that are quite an eye opener for anyone willing to walk the road walked by a few people, the road to leadership without necessarily having title. All people need to master themselves and know their personalities well. Mastering oneself takes character, competency and connection. Aside from this, people need to be focused and determined to always do what is right and all that is important not only to them but also having the will power to do what is important. These aspects will go a long way into ensuring that people who are destined to lead even when they lack titles will do extraordinary things in extraordinary ways that touch humanity. Sanborn chooses the right stories and illustrations to tell the story of the interconnectedness that exists between the extraordinary out of the ordinary. It takes very simple actions but they go a long way into making life better and beautiful.
Perhaps the best illustration in the book is the story of the man who had no idea of how to deal with squirrels that were invading his bird feeder. He had run out of ideas but at some point he ends up with a very powerful idea. Perhaps this is the highlight of the book all thanks to the power of focus. People should not always follow common practices and Sanford is at his best in highlighting that idea. It comes to our knowledge that people need to go out of the ordinary and do things that that show the strength they possess does not need any title but can lead through whichever way. It becomes clear, through the book, that everyone has a potential and all that needs to be done is exploring that potential in an effort to not only help other people but also to do all that is acceptable way.
Reference
Sanborn, M. (2006).You Don't Need a Title To Be a Leader. Sydney: Currency Publishers.
