Be A Leader: Make A Positive Difference

Note: I wrote this as part of a book review series I started at my workplace.

Sounds nice on paper, but I don’t have a leadership title and I don’t really want one.
Sure, not everyone wants or needs to be a Leader with a capital L, but this book is about what author Mark Sanborn calls “little l” leadership. What is “little l” leadership? According to Sanborn, “It is about the small things each of us can do every day to positively influence our customers, our colleagues, our friends, and our communities.” If you have a desire to make the world a better place for the people around you, that’s “little l” leadership. No need to use a megaphone, give a PowerPoint presentation, stand at a podium, or any of those other stereotypical “capital L” leadership things you may dread doing.

I already have a leadership title. Guess I can skip this book.
Hang on! Titled leaders are included, too! Anyone in any position, titled or not, can learn something here about what makes a good leader. Even if you’re already familiar with all the principles presented in this book, it never hurts to have a refresher course. In fact, going back to the basics can be a crucial step in rejuvenating your work if you’ve let yourself get buried in the daily grind of all the boxes that need to be checked and have lost sight of the important influence you can have over your staff.

There are about a gazillion leadership books out there. What makes this one worth reading?
First of all, it’s short! At only 128 pages, You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader doesn’t ramble on and on with lots of cases studies or beat around the bush with repetitive filler. It gets right to the point about the basic essentials of leadership and is therefore a very easy, accessible read. (Plus, it makes a great gift book!)

Second, this book speaks to a much broader audience than the typical business leadership book. You won’t find any insider tips on how to increase your company’s bottom line or maximize worker productivity or develop strategies for long-term business growth. Instead, Sanborn talks more generally about the ways all of us can use leadership skills to create positive outcomes for the people we interact with on a daily basis.

Third, You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader is timeless. Although it was first published over ten years ago, its principles are still very relevant and applicable today because they are not based on passing industry trends or economic climates. Making a positive difference in the world will never become obsolete.

Okay, cool. So how can I practice “little l” leadership in my daily work?
If I tell you, I will spoil the whole book because it’s not very long! To give you a bird’s-eye view, though, Sanborn discusses six principles of leadership: self-mastery, focus, people, persuasive communication, execution, and giving. He shares stories of people who have used these principles effectively as well as a list of actions the reader can try for putting each principle into practice. Of course, Sanborn is not the first author to write about these principles, but as I said before, what makes this book a worthwhile read is that he cuts out all the business jargon, boiling leadership down to the most important essentials. The author’s definition of true leadership is “an invitation to greatness that we extend to others.” Simple yet profound, no?

I like how simple and to the point this book is. There are some good lessons and key points that helps anyone who aspires to be a leader.

Its the kind of book that you read several times. Its easy to understand. First time you read it, second time you take notes and third time you see how it applies to your own work environment. I have been carrying this book in my pocketbook. Its’s small enough and doesn’t weigh. It was recommended to me and now I’m recommending it to others. its a great book if you know nothing about leadership and its your first time encountering a leadership role.

Really liked how Sanborn is able to condense some rather deep and thoughtful ideas into short and very approachable anecdotes and points. Some choice quotes that spark self reflection. Overall, a good read for anyone who is in any form of leadership position (and Sanborn explains how many inevitably are!)

Not the best read on the subject

A good read, and great lessons no matter your title. My favourite part of the book was about not confusing resume skills with true leadership skills…makes you think about what your legacy will be.

Great Book

Anyone who has ambition to be a leader, should read this book and take notes. It teaches you how to be a better person and add value to every relationship you have.

The title of the book Speaks for itself