Leading Myself To Lead Others

This is the study of a book written by John C. Maxwell, a renowned author of transformational leadership material. His work has transformed many at individual, organizational and at national levels. Having read the book, “The 360 Degree Leader” this is an analysis of what it is about.  This synopsis emphasizes the thrust of the book, with relevant examples of how I have tried to implement my take home from it. I clearly show how I have been impacted by reading this book and state some ways in which my life is changing, hence forth. I also show how I am going to teach these ideas to the people I influence, as I continue on my journey to a level 5 leader.

The Myths of leading from the middle of an organization

The Author highlights seven myths about leading from the middle of an organization. These are considered to be what many people think it is like to lead from the middle, and include; The Position myth, The Destination myth, The Influence myth, The Inexperience myth, The Freedom myth, The Potential myth and finally The All or nothing myth. These myths can limit us from actually influencing everywhere we are -yet as a leader, we should influence regardless. The three myths that stood out for me include; 

1. The Position myth, which emphasizes that we don’t have to have a position in order to influence. I always thought that my influence has boundaries to only what was expected of me as was written in my job description. 
2. Like the Influence myth states, I always thought that nobody can follow me unless I have the title to my name and that until I have it, I should not risk trying to lead – It would be a flop. Now I know better. Leadership is influence and I can influence from anywhere, I do not have to ensure the person with the title is working with me for influence to happen.
3. The potential myth which states that for someone to reach their potential, they need to first get to the top, has made me feel like I must strive to get there in order to have impact. I have learnt though that the best impact is the middle of the organization. This might actually be where my impact will be felt the most. It is through understanding and demystifying these myths that I have been able to make decisions to change my attitude first, then my ways.

Do you relate with some of these myths? List them and think about the impacts they have had on you. Stay tuned for part two of this blog post.