I recommend books to read for the
leadership teams with which I work. We read a little bit each month and discuss
our 'Take-A-Ways'.
I've used a couple of John C. Maxwell's Teamwork and
Leadership books (he is one of the world's best teachers of leadership)
In fact, last December (2014) I reviewed 'The 17 Essential Qualities Of A
Team Player' in this space. I recommend books and my clients generally accept my
recommendations.
So, in November 2015 Andy Wolfe, President of Arronco Comfort
Systems in Burlington, Kentucky announced to his leadership team and me that
the next book we would study together would be John C. Maxwell's ' The Five
Levels of Leadership'.
This was a proud and humbling moment for me.
I am proud of Andy. He is action not reaction. His company
has grown from 10 people to over 55. This is the third time I've been invited
back to work on a monthly basis since 2000. I'm proud to be able to work with
such a great group of people.
I was humbled. It wasn't my idea and in fact, I never heard
of the book.
So, I read it and this is what I think. Wow! Maxwell has been focusing on Leadership for over 35
years. This book is at the core of his teaching.
In 286 pages he reveals those five levels and for each he:
·
Explores the critical definition
·
Focuses on the Upside
·
Examines the Downside
·
Talks about the 'Laws of Leadership
·
Points out how you can move to the next level
In each of the discussions about levels are wonderful
stories which illustrate the insightful points he wants us to understand. In the discussion of Level 1- Position he uses this
analysis from the Andy Griffith Show. "Barney Fife was your typical positional leader. His
desire to feel important and have authority created many humorous story lines.
Armed with one bullet and a badge, he took every opportunity to let people know
he was in charge. In contrast, Sheriff Andy who seemed to spend all of his
time being a calming influence on his misguided deputy, had real authority and
power. But he rarely used his position to get things done."
In the discussion of Level 2-Permission he uses the
following story to illustrate his point.
Peter, a successful businessman, had the opportunity to have
breakfast at Nelson Mandela's home. He asked Dumi, one of his company drivers,
to take him there. Peter reflects on that time. "I felt both extremely
elated and humbled that Mr. Mandela was waiting outside for me. He
warmly greeted the driver and me. He then gestured that we enter the house.
However, in the traditional ways of corporate behavior and protocol, the driver
retreated quietly and remained in the car. Mr. Mandela invited me to the
breakfast table. Just before we started eating, my host seemed to miss
something. He asked, 'Peter, I thought there were two of you.' I responded,
'No, sir, I came alone' 'What about the other gentleman? He insisted, and I
replied, 'No, sir. That one is just a driver. He will wait in the car.' At that
point Mr. Mandela stood up and went out to where the driver was. He introduced
himself to the driver and asked him to join us for breakfast. Mr. Mandela then
walked to the kitchen and said, 'Dumi is joining us for breakfast. Can we have
another plate, please." Peter continued, "When leaders learn to see the
personalities that lie behind these seemingly humble titles the people in those
jobs do not just feel appreciated, they discover and walk into new horizons of
their lives."
I could provide stories from each level. I've identified 66
Take-A-Ways from this book.
But, you get the idea.
Get the book.
Read the book.
It's worth your time.
