Developing the Leader within you 2.0

Who would find this book useful?

Anyone who wants to be more influential. Individuals who lead groups even in non corporate or conventional setting. Professionals who aspire to be leaders in the future. People in formal leadership positions.

What's the main theme of the book?

The book argues that leadership isn't about having a specific title or position, but rather about possessing the qualities and skills to influence others in a positive way. Maxwell emphasizes that true leaders are made, not born, and they develop through a process of continuous learning and growth..

Key Concepts in the book!

1. The First Principle - Leadership is creating positive influence - Each person has the potential to exert influence in any given situation or with any group. There are five stages of influence that individuals move through alongside five levels of leadership. The key to progression is to understand one’s present source of influence and level of leadership. Further, advancement to the next level can only happen once an individual has excelled in the present level.
2. The Second Principle - Leadership is setting the priorities right: Label projects as high importance/high urgency; high importance/low urgency; low importance/high urgency and low importance/low urgency. Tackle high importance/high urgency projects first. Set deadlines for completion of high importance/low urgency projects. Delegate low importance/high urgency projects. Postpone indefinitely low importance/low urgency projects..
3. The Third Principle - Leadership is modeling integrity Production : Eighty nine percent of what people learn comes from what they see, ten percent from what they hear, and one percent from other senses. Thus, true leaders need to be consistent in words and in action and behavior.
4. The Fourth Principle - Leadership is creating positive change: A leader who is receptive to new ideas and is willing to make personal changes before asking others to follow him has the makings of a successful change agent.
5. The fifth principle - Leadership is problem solving: The test of a genuine leader is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency. Nonetheless, when problems arise, true leaders are willing and prepared to manage the problems.
6. The Sixth Principle - Leadership is having the right positive attitude: Without the right positive attitude, successful leaders would not have reached their full potential.
7. The Seventh Principle - Leadership is developing people : Successful leaders understand the importance of developing people who can help realize the leader’s vision and dreams.
8. The Eighth Principle - Leadership is having a vision: A vision is a clear picture of what the leader sees his or her group being or doing. Great leaders know where they are going and they are able to persuade others to follow. But leaders can never take their people farther than they have traveled. Like leader, like people.
9. The Ninth Principle - Leadership is self-discipline: Leaders take a grip of their lives and take control of areas that bring them success or failure.
10. The Tenth Principle - leadership is developing staff: The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership

Through the book, John C. Maxwell states that leadership qualities that can be acquired and developed. Maxwell shares the above ten leadership principles that one must know and understand to transcend beyond simple managing and begin leading

Actionable tools & techniques

Given below are some tools and techniques shared in the book developing the leader in you 2.0

Developing Your Influence:

• Idea Sharing: Encourage open communication and remove barriers that prevent people from sharing ideas. This can be done through brainstorming sessions or simply fostering a culture where everyone feels comfortable speaking up.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: Don't settle for the first solution that comes to mind. Instead, actively seek out multiple solutions and be open to adapting your approach as needed. View problems as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Taking Action: Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. Once you have a plan, take action and be willing to adjust as you go.

Leading Yourself:

• Self-Awareness: Regularly reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. This can be done through journaling, personality assessments, or seeking feedback from trusted colleagues.

Leading Others:

• Influence, Not Manipulation: Focus on inspiring and motivating others, rather than trying to control them. This can be achieved by setting a clear vision, communicating effectively, and recognizing the contributions of others.

Note, that the above are just a few examples, and for a deeper understanding pick up the book to read further.

Rohan Nabar, is a Bangalore based Executive Coach & Learning Leader. He specializes in Self Awareness through assessments and reflection, Leadership Development & Coaching, Human Centered Design, and Subjective Well-being (Happiness). He could be reached at [email protected] or his website www.rohannabar.com or his LinkedIn Profile www.dhirubhai.net/in/rohannabar