I think it says a lot about the person you work for, if you can honestly say that they are a great leader, not just a great manager. In fact, those people are probably far and few inbetween. Some would argue that there is no difference between a leader or manager, they are one in the same. But that is not true as those who have worked for bad managers can attest. It's not a place that inspires you to want to come to work, much less willingly to go above and beyond when asked by that manager. In fact, most people don't quit their jobs, they quit their managers. So how do you know if you are a great leader or simply a manager?
You might want to check out John C. Maxwell's simple book Jump Start Your Leadership. In it, he provides you with 90-days to improve your leadership. It defines what makes a great leader, how others will perceive your leadership, along with great quotes from exceptional leaders of the day like Abraham Lincoln, John Kennedy, and more. Along with a simple short and concise paragraph or two, there is a section that implores you to see how you can incorporate that principle into your life or asks how would it benefit you if you did. It truly is something when you can look back and remember those exceptional managers and leaders you might have worked with. They made a mark on your life in some profound way.
They may have encouraged you, motivated you, inspired you, and most importantly role modeled what a great leader looks like, by willing to stand by your side and accomplish difficult tasks. One great quote is from Harold S. Green, "Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions." The page then details what this passage means. "Perhaps you are not naturally gifted at working with people. In fact, you may struggle with liking some people enough to commit the energy needed to make good connections with them. If you have difficulty with this, do the following: Make a choice to care about others. Liking people and caring about people is a choice within your control. If you haven't already, make that choice. Look for something likeable about every person you meet. It's there. Make it your job to find it and then express what you like about that person, especially your team members.
The section then finishes with a final though for you to consider. Make a list of all your team members and write down the qualities you admire in each of them. How do those qualities make each of them valuable to the team?" (pg 70). This is where you would jot down your thoughts and hopefully incorporate that particular lesson into making you one of those memorable leaders we would all love to work for. This isn't just a feel good book for leaders but helps those who might be struggling to know where they might be falling short. It highlights both the positive and negative aspects and helps you to become a better leader.
I received Jump Start Your Leadership by John C. Maxwell compliments of Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are my own unless otherwise notated. I think this is a must read for anyone in a management position or even a great resource for husbands who are called into a leadership role in their own homes, marriages and families! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!
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