Stop and take a moment to think. I bet there is someone in your life that amazes you and that you look up to. They do not have a fancy title or anything, but they are always doing selfless acts without a second thought. After reading this book you will realize that these people are leaders that as Sanborn says “You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader.”
A leader is an extraordinary individual who shows encouragement, exhibits friendly behavior, listens attentively, gives without wanting something, and has the ability to assess and initiate things single-handedly. These people make every effort to go for what is just slightly out of reach. They might not be noticed or praised for what they have done; they do it to make a positive difference in the world with or without a title.
Sanborn believes that nothing is too small, and all the choices that are made have a ripple effect on everyone. Leaders are not out to make themselves happy, they are here to make a positive difference. In addition, having firm moral and ethical character is more memorable than any person with a title could be. As Sanborn writes, “Fame is based on what we get in life, but true greatness is based on what we give in life. It is contribution through action” (Sanborn, 2006, p. 14).
There are many different powers of leadership: Self-mastery is where it all begins. Self-mastery tells us that we should not let what we cannot control, control us, but instead master it and use it to our advantage. Even though things begin to look out-of-control, remind yourself that as an effective leader you should think of these situations as “opportunities rather than an obligation” (Sanborn, 2006, p. 29).
We have the option of how we want to live our lives; however, as a true lea...
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...u want help, kindness, support and encouragement. Then give these things, it is amazing the gift and feeling it gives you in return.
Making a positive difference in this world leaves a lifelong mark on the world. Everyone makes a difference with their actions and behaviors no matter how big or small. We all want to feel significant like we contributed or made an impact for the next generation. We may not be able to hold their hands but we can prepare them for the road ahead.
As an extraordinary leader, you are becoming a more effective and influential, you will leave something behind that motivates and leaves a lasting mark on someone. Or as better put by Sanborn himself, “the marks in life we leave—our legacies—are most often left not in stone and steel, in history and politics, or poetry and literature, but in the lives of other people” (Sanborn, 2006, p. 102).
Many people possess leadership qualities although they don’t rule a country. Meriwether Lewis, the official leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition has been called “undoubtedly the greatest pathfinder this country has ever known.” Just like Hazel, Meriwether Lewis led a group of followers into unknown territory. The two guides faced many difficult situations that they were able to overcome since they had the qualities of a notable leader. Both of the journeys were rough, but because of the brave leaders both expeditions were successful.
The chapter “Clarify What’s Important to you” introduces several successful leaders and many praiseworthy values to me. Although each leader comes from different environments and possesses different characters, all of them keep their precious values in mind and persist in chasing their ideal lives. Even if each value can be interpreted by different meanings, they all lead encourage individuals to become better.
The Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu put it best when he said, “A leader is best when people barley know he exists, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, They will say: We did it ourselves.” Often when a person thinks of a leader they think of such great leaders as George Washington, George Patton, and Thomas Jackson. The word “leader” itself will invoke images of die-hard men with the charisma to command anyone and overcome anything. Yet despite this common image there was no theory of leadership that covered this common belief in a “super” leader.
Leadership is all about having the right amount of heart and determination to help make a difference in someone’s life. It takes certain qualities to be considered a good leader. A leader should want to help inspire others to make a change and to be the best that they can be. A true leader does not need to feel powerful, instead they empower those around them. Throughout my life I have come across various leaders who have made an impact on my life. It takes a very special person to inspire and touch people’s lives. Leadership is so much deeper than having power and bossing people around.
The vision of leadership that leaders are born made, and not learn to be leaders is still considered but not popular among researchers (Avolio et al, 2013).
Blanchard & Hodges say leaders are defined by how they use their influence, they say. If our instincts are self-promotion and self-protection, then we'll use our influence to fulfill these needs. Conversely, if we are driven by service and dedication to a cause or a relationship, then we will model and encourage these values in others.
What is a leader? Who are chosen to be leader, and why are they chosen? What set these certain individuals aside from everyone else? A leader is someone who can encourage even those with feeble hearts, insecure souls and self-doubting minds. A leader takes not only their vision but everyone’s vision and create one beautiful creation that is seen throughout the world. My experiences with leadership range from the worst to the best. Once holding a great leadership position myself, I can testify the benefits of great leadership and the disadvantages of horrible leadership. Through my experience with great leadership and the effects on the people, it seemed to the naked eye that everyone was thinking the same thing at the same time. In actually it was the leader uniting the members together on one common chord to produce a sound that would remain in the souls. A leader is someone who not only leads, but also encourages people to do their best, share a collectively common idea or passion with a group, and challenge the process of a traditional style.
As I have developed in my job, school, and as a person, I found that I enjoyed helping others and want to become a leader. This paper will further describe how my experiences and background have shaped the leader I am today.
Although there are many outstanding, albeit necessary qualities of a good leader, it is the leader’s beliefs in which greatness is given its first breath, fostered by action, and spread throughout the institution. A great leader believes in encouraging, not destroying; in setting the precedence instead of yielding to prominence ; in collaboration, not division; in giving, not taking; and in having high standards and volunteering to be the first of many to be held to them. A great leader does not take advantage of the people being lead, but instead, creates an advantage for the people by giving them the opportunities to lead. Only when people take ownership of an institution will passion be cultivated, action be taken, and greatness be achieved.
Let’s use Bill Gates, one of the great worldwide leaders, for this instance. As we all acknowledge, Bill Gates is always considered, without doubt, a successful man and one of the top ranking leaders. We as well know that Bill Gates, of course, was not a leader by birth, nor did any creator intentionally or accidentally bestow him the knowledge he possesses today, but rather by his acquirement of experience throughout his lifetime.
What is leadership? Leadership is defined as a process by which a individual will influence others to obtain goals. Leaders will guide, direct motivate, or inspire others. Leadership is defined by not only traits but actions as well. Leaders are inspirational, trustworthy and charismatic. Many people may think a manger is leader. Although leadership and management go hand in hand, they are not the same. Everyone has their own beliefs about what characteristics an effective leader should have. To me, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and having a vision are few characteristics of becoming an effective leader. A leader is not only born, but made. Some are born as leaders or some are made to be leaders.
Great leadership is not achieved over night, and it is not something that one achieves and stops. Great leaders spend entire lives building and growing their leadership skills. It is not likely that a leader will one day wake up with all of the vision, influence, knowledge, respect, and momentum necessary to be great; these take time to develop. “It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from their followers.”
Is a leader as defined in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, merely one who leads - synonymous with a boss? Or something more? I believe that a leader is much more than that and can be defined in any number of ways. In attempting to define a leader personally, I will use both myself and others as examples.
Finally, relationships in the work place and in our personal lives are one of the most important aspects that define us as individuals. Everyone knows how much more can be accomplished in a situation where there is a good working relationship verses the opposite. In a leadership role it is important to have a good understanding of each individual team member. This understanding can include what motivates, what is important, and how the leader can tap into these resources. As each of us progress in our leadership roles, it is important to remember, it’s not all about me. I believe once we accept any type of leadership role, we accept the responsibility to serve others. If we consider it only for personal gain, we will probably not be remembered as a good leader.
Leaders can have a powerful impact on the futures of many, and the way in which one approaches leadership is paramount to the type of impact one will have. Continual growth in the areas of knowledge I have and seek to acquire, as well as recognizing my leadership style and utilizing my personal strengths to the fullest, is vital to the successful implementation of my personal philosophy of leadership.