Leadership Gold-Chapter One

Leadership Matters

Home

Syndication

Archives

Chapter One: If it's Lonely At the Top, You're Not Doing it Right

One of the things you will notice about John Maxwell's approach to teaching leadership is that he almost always focuses on "YOU", not "Them". Everytime I read or listen to John I end up with things that I need to change about me, not other people. This first chapter is no exception. John goes right after the false thinking that leaders are solo operators who climb their way to the top of the mountain, and lead from that vantage point. I remember hearing some of that when I was a young leader...keep some distance between you and your employees...you are the boss, not their friend...some mystery is a good thing so make sure you don't share everything. I was fortunate to discover early on that the rewards associated with loving the people you lead are much greater than the risks. So, to get this conversation started, I have a few questions:

1. What were the concepts from Chapter One that you could relate to best and that you agree strongly with?

2. What were some new ideas (or at least a new way of thinking about something) that you took from the Chapter?

3. What are you going to start, or stop doing this month as a result of this Chapter?

When you respond, feel free to ask some questions of your own for the group and we will see if we can get this thing rocking. Our staff will discuss this on Monday afternoon (US-Eastern Time), and we will post some of their questions, thoughts and ideas Monday evening as well. Thanks for joining us an don't be shy.

Rob

Posted Oct 09 2008, 05:02 PM by Rob Parker

Comments

Rob Parker wrote re: Leadership Gold-Chapter One

on 10-13-2008 3:45 PM

Lots of great discussion on this chapter by our staff. We all agreed that we are not teaching our leaders enough about the importance of relationship development in leading. Too many of our people still try to lead from their title or position and not out of influence and relationship. We teach our Kiwanis leaders about their administrative duties, but not about how to motivate people, inspire others to greatness, build consensus, manage conflict, etc...

Harry Hull wrote re: Leadership Gold-Chapter One

on 10-15-2008 12:23 AM

It seems to me that most management / leadership material is geared toward the business world environment - not volunteer community service organizations like Kiwanis. We face added obstacles because we generally have no direct influence over the folks we lead. They don't actually report to us, or work for us. We don't have the ability to discipline or fire them in a traditional sense.

So, our ability to relate to people is all important.

This old fashioned idea of the top guy floating above it all, doesn't make sense to me in today's vibrant and successfull organizations.

I like what Abraham Lincoln said: "I don't like that man. I must get to know him better."

John Hamilton wrote re: Leadership Gold-Chapter One

on 10-15-2008 12:53 PM

1) Before we even discuss relationship development I took away the need to develop individual credibility through iniative, sacrifice and maturity.

2) Kiwanis needs leaders who place more emphasis on bringing success to other Kiwanians rather than themselves ( my year, distinguished etc.). Acheiving leadership satisfaction through ensuring others success is a new concept to those of us who grew up in the old command and control environment.

3) Younger people don't buy command and control and Kiwanis will die if we don't begin fostering relationships through new leadership techniques.

Rob Parker wrote re: Leadership Gold-Chapter One

on 10-15-2008 10:17 PM

Harry,

Everything I have read about Lincoln suggests he was a very relational leader...even with those that treated him poorly.

John,

You are spot on, especially on your point about the next generation of leaders.