THE 360 DEGREE LEADER KEY TAKEAWAYS

This is my review on the 360-degree leader. There is a common saying that leadership is best done at the top, this is quite wrong in fact John Maxwell says you can lead from the middle as well.

John Maxwell breaks down the book into six sections.

1.       7 myths

2.       7 challenges

3.       9 lead-up principles

4.       7 lead-across

5.       7 lead-down principles

6.       5 values

In the seven myths, John Maxwell says that you can actually lead from the middle and be good at it, however, there are many challenges, the first is the tension challenge, which does not know where you stand, and then there is the frustration challenge that is following an ineffective leader, there is the many hats of leadership you have to wear, middle level leaders have to look 360-degrees all around them. The fourth challenge is winning the battle against your ego, lead with empathy. Then there is the fulfillment challenge, people feel more fulfilled when on top, then you have to champion your vision, which could be difficult. Then the influence challenge which is leading the people above you.

The 9 lead up principles states that when you are in the middle lead those above you. The 9 principles are:

1.       Lead yourself exceptionally well

2.       Lighten your leader’s load

3.       Lead by example

4.       Be a leader

5.       Create good relationships

6.       Be always prepared

7.       Know when to push or back off

8.       Be a go to player

9.       Be better tomorrow than you are today

The 7 lead across principles cut across: caring, learning, appreciating, contributing, verbalizing, leading and succeeding.

The 7 lead down principles are centered around harnessing the power of positive relationships, being a role model, finding out strengths and inspiring your followers to use them, be a model and build a reward system.