You Don't Need A Title To Be A Leader

Kem Meyer in a one of her blogs makes an interesting observation that I quite often encounter as well - that of people blaming a lack of excellence in organizational change/communications due to their lack of power/influence in the organization.

She makes mention of Mark Sanborn's book: You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader : How Anyone, Anywhere, Can Make a Positive Difference and shares a few foundation principles that he outlined about leading without being in charge that are true.

* Self mastery. [Develop your competence, character and connection.]
* Focused attention beats brains, brawn and technology every time.
* Power with people rather than power over people. [We shouldn't strive to be likeable or capable, but both.]
* Implementation Quotient. [Ability to execute.]
* Persuasive Communication Skills. [Influence, not force feed.]
* Giving. [Of yourself. Of your time. Of your knowledge.]

leading up, v. How to get things done and motivate others without formal authority; convincing or persuading colleagues/superiors of the need for action and involvement or leading when not recognized as a leader by virtue of power or position.