Leadership NEXTPERT: 3 Nuggets from Sanborn

Simplified Success Strategies

By Bruce Lund, NEXTPERT
Topic: Career Development, Emerging Leaders  

 www.nextpert.net

 “An invitation to greatness we extend to others” –           Mark Sanborn’s Definition of Leadership

I had the pleasure of finishing Mark Sanborn’s National Bestseller, “You Don’t Need a Title To Be a Leader” and decided to share the three main takeaways for me from the book.

Nugget 1 – You Don’t Need a Title To Be a Leader

The first, and most obvious, is derived from the title and is the outlining message of the book. “You Don’t Need a Title To Be a Leader” is about as simple as it gets. We are too hung up on titles and this idea that without one we cannot lead. The truth is that anyone, anywhere, in ANY position can lead. The title does not make the leader and those that think they do are often managers. Leadership should not be about control but instead is the power to positively influence others. We are all leaders and can choose to make a difference on others in our current roles.

Nugget 2 – Obligation or Opportunity

What mindset do you have in your work and life? When a perceived “problem” comes up at work or the phone rings do you see it as an obligation or rather an opportunity to grow your skills? In between our stimulus and response is a space and in that space lies our greatest human freedom -- our ability and power to choose our response. Those who see life and work as an obligation rush through each task and want it to be over as quickly as possible, with little to no regard for the result. Real untitled leaders that make a difference in themselves, their companies, and communities act from a place of abundance. “They don’t interact with the world around them because they have to. They do so because they want to." Leaders without titles sees their current role as an opportunity to add value without the fame or notoriety but because they want to.

Nugget 3 – little “l” vs. BIG “L” Leadership

Learn to exercise little “l” leadership by developing power WITH people. Leaders are not found only in big “L” positions or titles such as CEO’s, Owners, or presidents of organizations but at all levels. “Big L” leadership may be appointed or recognized throughout an organization, but the “little l” leaders can emerge through characteristics that illustrate influential leadership traits and abilities. Often times it is the “little l” leaders that are highly sought after and respected, because they do their leading based off choice and want-to. Make your company or organization better by focusing on the “little l’s” of leadership.

Bruce Lund is the Founder & CEO of NEXTPERT, a training service that develops leaders at ALL levels. Bruce is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur on "Simplifying Success Strategies" for professionals looking to stand out by using his proven 3-step process to DISCOVER, DEVELOP, and DECIDE to LIVE the NEXTPERT in you! Every company needs a team of NEXTPERTs that are solutions-oriented and anticipate the needs of others.

"Every day in your current role is an interview for your NEXT!"