Leadershipbydesign
News From LBD
September 2011 Volume 3 Issue 9

  Growing the Leader within Us

 

  "...what we've discovered, and rediscovered, is that leadership isn't the private reserve of a few charismatic men and women. It's a process ordinary people use when they're bringing forth the best from themselves and others. Liberate the leader in everyone, and extraordinary things happen."   

 

 - James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, The Leadership  Challenge: How to Keep Getting Extraordinary Things Done in Organizations.

 

  Leadership is a verb, not a noun. Leadership is action, not a position. Leadership is defined by what we do, not the role we are in. Some people in "leadership roles" are excellent leaders. But too many are bosses, "snoopervisors," technocrats, bureaucrats, managers, commanders, chiefs, and the like. Conversely, many people who have no formal leadership role are excellent leaders. In today's fast changing world, we all need to be leaders.

 

  To lead is to show the way by going in advance. To lead is to guide or direct a course of action. To lead is to influence the behavior or opinion of others. We all need to be leaders, regardless of our formal title or role. This starts with inner self-leadership and moves outward to influence, guide, support, and lead others. The process of becoming a leader is the same as the process of becoming a highly effective human being.  

 

  Leadership development is personal development. Leadership ultimately shows itself in what we do "out there." But it starts "in here."

 

    
 

What Leaders are Reading
 

  

The Leadership Challenge: How to Keep Getting Extraordinary Things Done in Organizations  

by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

 

The more the world changes, the more leadership principles stay the same. Leadership principles are timeless. And they apply to all of us; no matter what role we play in society or organizations. This book addresses "the leader within us." 

 

On Becoming a Leader  by Warren Bennis  

 

 Delving into the qualities that define leadership, the people who exemplify it, and the strategies that anyone can apply to achieve it, this classic work has served as a source of essential insight for countless readers.    

 

 

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Leadership Tip of The Month
 

 

Leadership does come from within and you possess the ability to lead. Regardless of present external circumstances, you can develop leadership.  

 

Its qualities stem from internal attitudes, not outside situations. The ingredients of leadership must go beyond an intellectual understanding. They must be incorporated into your style, be consistent with your beliefs and values, and be a part of your visions.  

 

You can begin your path to leadership now using abilities you already possess. Take the first step and act on the following:

 

1. Realize that you own a wealth of untapped potential.

2. List the qualities that you feel describe a leader.

3. Determine which of those qualities you want to further develop.

4. Learn how to build self motivation through desire and purpose.  

5. Partner with a leader development coach. 

    

For additional information contact LBD.
John Branstad
John Branstad

Quote of the Month

"There are no extraordinary men...just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with."
Adm. Wm Halsey

John Branstad
www.leadershipbydesign.org
763-213-5267