Leadership Reading

Hey yall,

so getting another post in, I had a goal to work on becoming a better leader in my organization... so I decided to get into some reading...right now I am really fascinated by this book

"360 degrees of Leadership" by John C Maxwell

It is pretty much telling you how to step out of your comfort, not to be afraid to take charge of the area you work.... in the military there is the rank structure-right now I am a staff sergeant E-5 and aspire to be a Chief E-9 someday. Even if I dont I want to make my influence, leave my mark.... be remembered for having an impact on others...making things better for the younger military as it has been laid for me...

One of the excerpts that stood out in this book was the 7 Myths from Leading from the middle of an organization:

Myth #1 can be referred to as the position myth, where people believe they must have a certain title to lead. In reality, there is no need to possess a specific title to exert influence and become a successful leader. These people might wait for a more senior leader to empower them with authority, instead of building relationships with others to influence naturally. These people will only follow within the boundaries of a leader’s job description. However, people can move beyond the boundaries of their position by building respectful relationships and valuing each person as a unique individual who gives something positive to the organization.


Myth # 2 involves the belief that people cannot lead until they get to the top, referred to as the destination myth. The thinking goes something like this: “When I’m a leader, then I’ll figure out how to influence others in a positive way,” rather than learning these principles in order to be a leader. Becoming a leader is a journey of learning. The beginning of the journey may require people to adopt new ways of thinking, new skills, and new habits. According to John Wooden, Hall of Fame basketball coach, “when opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare”.

Myth #3 is based on the belief that nobody will follow unless the manager is “on top”. People believe that just because they’re in a leadership position, that they automatically have the ability to be influential. This is not the case. Those who lack leadership experience often put the leadership title on a pedestal, overestimating its importance. No matter what position people hold, they must earn their level of influence over time.

Myth #4 is the mistaken belief that when people get to the top, they’ll automatically be in control. An example of this belief is the thinking that things would be different “if I were the boss”. When people believe they can improve the organization, they do what it takes to accomplish their
goals. On the other hand, it’s easy to overestimate how much control a manager can have at the top of an organization. Many factors control an organization, and a person’s high-level position is no guarantee of the ability to exert influence. Basically, life at the top is not easier.

Myth #5 states that once leaders make it to the top, their role is a ticket to freedom. Leaders at the top do not necessarily have it made. They cannot always do what they want. There will always be boundaries. As leaders rise to higher positions, they have increased responsibilities, more pressure, and higher expectations. These leaders make a great impact, but at the same time, many leaders have less freedom instead of more.

Myth #6 is based on the thinking that people cannot reach their potential unless they’re top leaders. The reality is that most people never get to the top of an organization as a leader. While people need to strive to do their best, they don’t necessarily need to aspire to be at the top of their organization. Often the greatest impact is made from the middle.

Myth #7 is the all-or-nothing belief that people won’t try to lead unless they can get to the top. Most people will never become CEO but they can still be effective leaders. CEOs aren’t the only ones who make a difference. While being a leader in the middle of an organization has its challenges, an effective 360-Degree Leader can learn to lead from the side, from above, and from below and influence people at every level.


I definitely see alot of these in different organizations even before I joined, the belief of some of these things discourages alot of great leaders from reaching full potential.....but you wont know until you try...

I work on a little bit everyday, just to get better...my weakness right now is emotional decision making..... versuses what is best for the situation even if I dont like it.... but i am reminding myself, its not whats best for me but for my unit as a whole...

This has been such a great read so far.... anyway talk to yall later