THE 360° LEADER By John Maxwell MGMT 5230 A.M.B.A. Major Leadership Concepts

Leadership Myths

Leadership Myth #1 I can’t lead if I am not at the top Influence Vs Power (p.4) Is legitimate power a substitute for leadership? Are the best leaders found in top management teams (TMTs)

Leadership Myths #4 & #5 When I get to the top, I’ll be in control When I get to the top, I’ll no longer be limited As leaders move up in organizations they experience less bounded rationality in decision making and more responsibility, i.e. you have less control)

Leadership Myth #6 I can’t reach my potential if I’m not the top leader Most people will never make it to the top of an organization Strive to reach your potential, not the top of an organization To thy own self be true, (Shakespeare)

Leadership Challenges

Challenge #1 – The Tension Challenge Accept that you have limited autonomy Factors affecting autonomy Empowerment Initiative Environment Job Parameters Appreciation

Challenge #2 – The Frustration Challenge Managing up is vital; and very difficult with an ineffective leader Take responsibility for developing your relationship with your leader Cater to your leaders strengths Affirm your leaders strengths

Challenge #4 – The Ego Challenge Your ethics decide whether you are a socialized or personalized leader Enjoy the process, don’t be too goal oriented

Challenge #7 – The Influence Challenge If leadership is influence, then what do you have to do or possess to be influential? Care about others Exhibit strong positive character Perform competently Deal with others in a consistent manner Be committed Are there others?

Leading-Up Principles

Lead-Up Principle #1 “If your leader must continually expend energy managing you, then you will be perceived as someone who drains time and energy” (Maxwell, p. 86)

Lead-Up Principle #1 Continued Lead yourself exceptionally well Emotions Time Priorities Energy Thinking Words Personal Life

Lead-Up Principle #2 “Even if the leader you work for never turns around to lift you up in return, someone who has seen you doing that lifting will extend a hand to you. Just remember: It’s not how heavy the load is. It’s how you carry it”, (Maxwell, p. 97)

Lead-Up Principle #2 Continued Lighten Your Leader’s Load Do your own job well first Find solutions to problems Tell leaders what they need and not want to hear Go the second mile Stand up for your leader Stand in for your leader Ask how you can lift the leader’s load

Lead-Up Principle #3 “The key is being willing to do something because it matters, not because it will get you noticed”, (Maxwell, p. 107).

Lead-Up Principle #3 Continued Be Willing to Do What Others Won’t Commitment Priorities Take responsibility Go above and beyond Work-life balance? Generational paradigm difference?

Lead-Up Principle #8 “All leaders are looking for people who can step up and make a difference when it matters. When they find such people, they come to rely on them and are inevitably influenced by them”, (Maxwell, p. 145)

Lead-Up Principle #8 Continued Become a Go-To Player Produce under pressure Produce with scarce resources Produce when momentum is low Produce when the load is heavy Produce when the leader is absent Produce when time is limited

Overarching Concepts Cont. You are most likely simultaneously leading and being lead Learn to help yourself through leadership (i.e. synergy through team-work) Lose your entitlement attitude Examine your motivations and keep your ego in check

Overarching Concepts Your attitude predicts your altitude Your ethics determines whether you are a socialized or personalized leader A leaders job is to add value through influence

Overarching Concepts Cont.