Developing the Leader Within You - Staff Development

This is a summary of the lessons contained in John C. Maxwell's book titled Developing the Leader Within you.

As I shared in the first lesson of this book, Maxwell states: The key to success in an endeavor is the ability to lead others successfully. And, as we have heard before, Everything rises and falls on leadership.


Fortunately, leadership can be taught. Leadership is not an exclusive club for those who were "born with it." The traits that are the raw materials of leadership can be acquired. Link them up with desire and nothing can keep you from becoming a leader. Maxwell's book will supply the leadership principles. Each of us must supply the desire.


There has always been a great deal of confusion over the difference between "leadership" and "management." Management is the process of assuring that the program and objectives of the organization are implemented. Leadership, on the other hand, has to do with casting vision and motivating people.


John W. Gardner, former Secretary of the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, has pinpointed five characteristics that set "leader managers" apart from "run-of-the-mill managers" :

1. Leader Managers are long-term thinkers who see beyond the day's crisis and the quarterly report.
2. Leader Managers' interests in their companies do not stop with the units they head. They want to know how all of the company's departments affect one another, and they are constantly reaching beyond their specific areas of influence.
3. Leader Managers put heavy emphasis on vision, values, and motivation.
4. Leader Managers have strong political skills to cope with conflicting requirements of multiple constituents.
5. Leader Managers don't accept the status quo.

People don't want to be managed. They want to be lead.


The following is a summary of the ten chapters of the book, and consequently, the ten traits of leadership.


Chapter #1 = Influence: The Definition of Leadership
Chapter #2 = Priorities: The Key to Leadership
Chapter #3 = Integrity: The Most Important Ingredient of Leadership
Chapter #4 = Creating Positive Change: The Ultimate Test of Leadership
Chapter #5 = Problem-Solving: The Quickest Way to Gain Leadership
Chapter #6 = Attitude: The Extra Plus in Leadership
Chapter #7 = People: Developing Your Most Appreciable Asset
Chapter #8 = Vision: The Indispensable Quality of Leadership
Chapter #9 = Self-Discipline: The Price Tag of Leadership
Chapter #10 = Staff Development: The Most Important Lesson of Leadership

Donald G Rosenbarger
Senior Vice President
Delta Companies Inc