Abstract
This is a review of the book written by John, C. Maxwell attempting to revise the idea that leadership skills can only be exercised from the top. The book proposes a 360-degee influence of leaders in all directions; vertically upwards, downwards and laterally. In order to enforce the point, the author offers some helpful guidelines in the book. He discusses the common myths associated with leadership, the challenges of leading from the middle level and how the middle level manager can exert his influence in all directions of the organization, in a concise yet effective manner.
Keywords: 360 degree leadership, personhood, position, challenges, fulfillment
360 degree Leader: Developing your Influence from anywhere in the Organization-Book Review
Written by John, C. Maxwell, a well known expert on Leadership, this book is an eye opener on the various concepts of leadership and provides an insight into the philosophy of leadership from the middle level. A summary of the book is given below
Summary
Maxwell has addressed the 7 types of myths that surround leadership in the opening section of the book; the position myth, the destination myth, the influence myth, the inexperience myth, the freedom myth, the potential myth and the top or nothing myth. Each of these myths rally around the misconception that leadership can be effective only from the top and the fact, that individuals tend to lead only after they reach the top. The author is of the view that effective leadership skills can be displayed from the middle level also. However middle level leadership confronts many challenges which are described in the subsequent section of the book. These challenges may range from convincing the superiors to changing the vision and the diverse role middle level managers have to play in an organization. The author then proceeds to describe the 360 degree leadership from different positions, the lead up, lead across and lead down. The lead up leadership comprises of sharing the responsibilities of the top leadership which not only helps get noticed but improves leadership skills. The next section is about leading across or influencing your peers. Just like leading-up, the key to exerting influence on fellow-leaders is to assist them to win. There are seven method of lead across enumerated in the book each depending on building a special relationship with peers. Maxwell, (2011), states that instead of competing, cooperating with the peers and encouraging their efforts is the basis of lead across type of leadership. This section is followed by the lead down principle in which Maxwell stresses the necessity to connect with the followers. He advocates the need to take a personal interest by the leader in the followers’ activities, help them learn and reward them.
Maxwell concludes by giving the example of General George C. Marshall, who rose through the ranks of the British army and whose role during the Second World War demonstrated his ability to connect all around. Maxwell succeeds in convincing his readers that leadership can be exerted from anywhere in the organization.
Information of Author
John Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. He graduated from Azusa Pacific University and Ohio Christian University He was nominated as the Number one New York bestselling author, coach and speaker who sold 25 million copies in 50 languages. He was also identified as the most influential leader in 2014 by business insider. He is reputed to have trained more than 5 million leaders through the John Maxwell Company. He is also the recipient of the Mother Teresa Price for Global Peace and leadership ( John Maxwell.com).
Reasons for recommending the Book
‘The 360 degree leader: influencing from anywhere in the Organization’ is a good read for individuals who aspire to be a leader but hesitate to exert leadership skills until they reach the top. The book inspires people with potential leadership qualities, not to wait but influence people in all directions from where they are. The book also gives a fair knowledge of the challenges that are to be anticipated and the ways in which they are to be resolved. It also gives an in depth view of the advantages, components and the types of all the three directions of leadership and how each can be used in the most effective way.
Conclusions
The book helps the readers to infer that Influential Leadership is not just confined to the top but can be practiced from anywhere in the organization. Potential leaders who are at the middle level can use their influence over their superiors, peers and subordinates with equal effectiveness. Although the middle level managers may confront many challenges while practicing leadership skills in all directions, it is ultimately the middle level managers who prove to be most influential at the top because they have won the faith of all the levels of an organization through the 360 degree leadership.
References
Maxwell, J. C. (2011). The 360 Degree Leader with Workbook: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization. Thomas Nelson Inc.
John Maxwell- The John Maxwell co; Retrieved from http://www.johnmaxwell.com/about/team/john-maxwell
