Leaders Lead Up, Down, and Across
Today’s post is a review and recommendation of a book by prolific leadership author John Maxwell that reminds us all that although we might not be at the top of the proverbial food-chain, we can better lead our subordinates, our peers, and even our bosses. The 360 Degree Leader is an excellent read for anyone who finds themselves somewhere between the new mailroom guy and the CEO. Remember, leaders are readers so why not do some reading about leading!
Unless you are a self-employed guy working solo in the home office, you are a part of a company, organization, or institution with a hierarchical chain of command. Even in the fabled world of Silicon Valley with its “flat” organizations and empowered line-level employees, there are bosses, colleagues, and subordinates. And no matter where we fall in our respective companies, we all want better leadership from those above us. Shouldn’t we also then seek to be better leaders ourselves?
I have read the 360 Degree Leader a couple of times, and I am working on it again. In fact, my small work team and I are all reading it together albeit at slightly different paces. It is not that the book is so profound, but rather it so relevant. I have been a student and practitioner of leadership since I ran for office in junior high. (Any 80s music fans out there?) This by no means makes me an expert, but it does mean I have gained some insights into the challenges of both following and leading over the years. The 360 Degree Leader addresses both of these roles and then some.
Leaders Lead Where They Are Planted
The book begins with an accurate overview of “The Myths of Leading from the Middle of an Organization” and then moves to “The Challenges of 360-Degree Leaders Face”. That latter section got more than a few head nods and “Amens!” from me as I read it. Maxwell then takes the reader through a series of principles for leading up (bosses), leading across (peers and colleagues), and leading down (subordinates). This is the power of this book. It addresses the traditional leadership of “me-lead, you-follow” in the context of the other leadership relationships in our organizations.
Thanks to high school student government, a challenging military college environment (Beat Army!), twenty-plus years in the Marine Corps, and over fifteen years in my current profession I have been around some incredible leaders and a few not-so-great. Ironically, The 360 Degree Leader reminded me in each situation I could have done a better job both as a follower and as a leader.
Let’s face it, there is only one guy/gal in the corner office. The odds are not in our favor that we’ll be replacing them anytime soon. Yet, we each have an opportunity every day we show up at work to lead those around us with more intentionality, more passion, and more effectiveness. The 360 Degree Leader provides some poignant tips and hacks on how to do that better.
Closing Thoughts
You may not agree with everything the author has to say about leadership. Even so, it will surely provide you with additional tools to be a better follower and leader if you are reading it with a servant-leadership heart. I challenge you to get the book and give it a good read. You, your family, your comrades, your company, and your community will be better off because of it!
The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization
Keep at it dads! You’re making a difference!
Cheers,
Jeff
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