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By the time I’d gotten to the third chapter of John C. Maxwell’s latest, I’d probably recommended it to a half-dozen of my friends. I don’t regret it.
This is a leadership book for every leader –
the CEO at the top, the department manager stuck in the middle, the guy at the bottom who knows he’s a natural leader. This is a book I will keep close to me for a while. (Apologies to all the people I recommended it to. You have to get your own.)
Photo courtesy of Francesca
In The 360-Degree Leader, Maxwell primarily addresses those leaders stuck in the middle of an organization, but the principles apply to leaders everywhere. Being a 360-degree leader means being able to lead “up, across and down.” It means leading with your boss, leading with your same-level co-workers, and leading the people on your team.
Naturally, the book is packed with information, inspiration and ideas. Reading it in any reasonable amount of time, or order to type up a review, was somewhat painful, and as soon as I’m finished typing, I’m starting it over. This is a book that needs to be practiced, one short chapter at a time.
It is packed, and it is well organized.
The 360-Degree Leader starts by explaining the concept, and answering the, “Why?” Maxwell addresses some common leadership myths that need to be dispelled, and then moves on to the concept of leading “up.” There are nine principles, and each is broken down into clear steps and tips.
The other sections do the same. Section IV tackles leading “across:” seven principles – each dissected and discusses. Section V looks at leading “down:” seven more principles explain how to do it better than most middle-managers currently are. Each section is succinctly outlined and reviewed before moving on to the next.
Typical of any of Maxwell’s leadership wisdom, it can be applied in any sphere of life. Some of us need to lead up and work, and down at home – or vise versa. Some of us are in the middle at work, at the bottom in our volunteer efforts, and at the top at home.
Personally, I plan to start over immediately.
Maxwell has a way of discussing leadership that is at once so passionate that the reader can’t help but be inspired, and at the same time so clear that she can’t help but feel empowered.
If you know you’re a leader – regardless of your position in an organization, or your job title – you need to consider this an investment in your future. (And did I mention that when you buy the book, you also buy an access code that allows you to take a 360-Degree Leadership assessment test online? Invest.)