Chapter Summary Of Paul Smith's Lead With A Story

Leaders are perhaps uncovered at many different levels and situations (Simmons, 2011). However, leaders in many organizations lead when forced into the spotlight and find out they are not equipped to function effectively. Becoming a leader can be as simple as leading a small team, a group or a community organization (Jennings, 2012). The truth of the matter

“ You can tell a true story if you just keep on telling it” Tim O’Brien

In Leadership 101 by John Maxwell, the author uses practical application points to give guidance on what it takes to be good leader. The book is divided in three parts, linking the development, traits and impacts of a leader, with a series of questions that the author answers. He also uses real-life stories and quotes from leaders such as the McDonald brothers and Princess Diana, to demonstrate leadership principles. The author also uses these examples and a detailed framework to help the readers enhance the leadership abilities they already possess. Maxwell suggests that in order to be a successful leader you need to; Follow your vision and bring others with you, produce a lasting legacy, grow the loyalty of your followers, make continual

The book begins by diving into myths that must leaders believe to be true. The author goes in depth to outline the steps in order to be an effective 360 degree leader, by giving the reader a solid understanding of myths that have been formed. Obviously, these myths need to be dispelled in order to have a leader at any level can break out of their shell and live the 360 model. Each myth builds on the next one.

“At times of change or dealing with uncertainty or in a crisis-- that is when the best leader will shine” (Ellis, 2016). A leader who can work effectively in a complicated, unpredictable situation is a competent leader and he tirelessly works to improve his capabilities (Ledlow & Coppola, 2010). All great leaders are known for communicating effectively what they want to achieve. They are visionaries who have the ability to lead others toward a shared goal (Gibson & Weber, 2015).

Another example of leadership is to deliver the promises you’ve promised. (Post) When Beowulf arrives with the news of relief by eliminating Grendel, he reveals to Hrothgar and the rest that he will take on the monster with his bare hands

They have to enlist others in a common vision (p. 17). The challenge, Kouzes & Posner says is to turn the idea into an inspired vision (p.106). The leader needs to imagine the possibilities and find a common purpose. The authors refer to James MacGregory Burns transformational leadership theory asserting that people commit to causes, not plans (p. 122). In order to have a transforming effect, the leader must raise the level of human conduct and ethical aspiration of both the leader and follower. Just like Kotter (1990) outlines the methods to change an organizational culture is by telling stories, using symbols, the designing of physical space, using jargon, rituals, etc., Kouzes & Posner suggest the same thing when they explain the power in using symbolic language to communicate a shared identify and give life to a vision (p. 143). When challenging the process, leaders know that in order to bring change they have to experiment and take risk (p. 19). The authors indicate that “proactive people tend to work harder …[by being] persistent in achieving their goals (p. 169) and treat every job as an adventure (p. 184).”

The power of storytelling can create connections between people and allow individuals to find their inner

Novak takes a systematic approach in Taking People with You, utilizing a step-by-step methodical model for leadership. In order to demonstrate his premise of people first, Novak engages the reader by using stories of exemplary leadership through personal and second-hand storytelling. Many of them were funny and memorable, such as the floppy children award and the Yum chant. Furthermore, Novak promotes frequent personal development through constant self-assessment and self-examination. His leadership approach resembles a participative style where leaders stress a positive, team environment. Teamwork – moving from ME to WE.

I chose this book in hope that it could help me understand the difference between managing and leading. In addition, I wanted to gain more knowledge and tools to help myself grow as a leader and help develop all of my subordinates that I may have to time throughout my career. The book jacket for this book is ultimately why I decided to read the book because it truly grabbed my attention. I found it interesting that John C. Maxwell is a #1 New York Times bestselling author (Maxwell, 2013). Moreover, the book jacket continued to catch my attention by stating to be more than a boss people are required to follow, you must master the ability to inspire and invest in people (Maxwell, 2013). I particularly found the “invest in people” line most interesting and caused me to want to read and learn more about the authors perspective on leadership.

Leadership development plan is only practical like the theories behind the idea. Basically, before a person plan, one must know and understand the mission to be accomplished. Good theories are significant and logical and important to comprehend that many accepted leadership principles are difficult to integrate an actionable behavior. A leadership plan helps in understanding and enhancing to lead organizations, employees and groups. The most valuable skill for a leader is the capacity to manage their individual learning. A highly motivated and principled person can attain a great degree of understanding, when they form a leadership plan. The document needs to be written down and be accessible and accommodate new insights. Preparation of a leadership plan has to take into consideration the first plan being a rough draft.

“It is important for leaders to tell a compelling and morally rich story, but ethical leaders must also embody and live the story. This is a difficult task in today’s business environment where everyone lives in a fishbowl—on public display. So many political leaders fail to embody the high-minded stories they tell at election time, and more recently, business leaders have become the focus of similar criticism through the revelations of numerous scandals and bad behaviours. CEOs in today’s corporations are really ethical role models for all of society.”

Narrative intelligent leaders are significant to organizations, as they lead by storytelling, they are simultaneously influencing others through trust and communication. The purpose of this communication analysis is to highlight and describe how the narrative leader style of Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, ultimately inspires her followers. First, it will provide insight by outlining her narrative approach based on her speeches, presentations, and podcasts in addition to, the literature available in narrative communication and leadership. Next, it will delineate the strengths of her communication style thus enhancing her narrative method. Then, the focus will shift to bring attention to potential areas of improvement to the narrative approach. Finally, this analysis will conclude with recommendations which in turn will refine her delivery, aid in conveying her intended message, and ultimately enrich her narrative intelligent leadership style.

The book 360 leader is written by the author John C. Maxwell. The book was dedicated to Dan Reiland who was a friend, student, teacher and partner to the author John C. Maxwell.There are six sections in this book written by John C. Maxwell. The six sections in this book talk about principles to lead up down and across, challenges, myths of leading from the middle of an organization and the value of 360 degree leaders. Maxwell’s book 360 leader provides a lot of facts on leading from the middle to the top of an organization reminding leaders that it’s all about influence when it comes to leadership.

Can Leadership skills be used to turn a hopeless situation around when the odds are against you? In stories and movies one knows the script will get the heroes out of their predicament. How can one do this in real life?