Faburary Read/1

Title: Your Leadership Legacy: The Difference You Make in People’s Lives

Authors: Brooks, Marta; Stark, Julie; Caverhill, Sarah

Call Number: 658: 4092 B873Y 2010

Subjects: Leadership, Interpersonal Relations, Organizational Effectiveness

ISBN: 9781605095837

Numbers of Page: 81 pages

Book Description:

            Whatever your position, if you influence change in the lives of those around you, you are engaged in an act of leadership. And if you are a leader in any sense, you are creating a legacy as you live your daily life. That legacy is the sum total of the difference you make in the lives of others. Will you consciously craft your legacy or simply leave it up to chance?

            Through an insightful parable, Your Leadership Legacy shows how to create a positive, empowering legacy that will endure and inspire. You’ll learn that, as a leader, the legacy you live is the legacy you leave Three Leadership Imperatives-dare to be a person, not a position; dare to connect; and dare to drive the dream-will guide you in creating a positive and lasting legacy. (from back cover of the book)

My Read:

            “They all had personal and compelling character.” It’s this sentence that got me interested and wondered what this book might shed some light on leadership. The authors borrowed the idea of fiction and had the readers follow the primary character’s story to find out what the three leadership imperatives are.

            At the end of this “My Read” I repeat what’s in the book to remind myself the essential ideas behind the three imperatives. What happened to the fictional character, to me, is typical story of a person who expects to be automatically promoted after the death of a relative positioned high in an organization. The story itself is simple and straightforward. It’s the sentence at the preface section made me ponder and want to learn more about what makes a person a legacy.

            I strongly concur with the idea of the authors about the importance of a person’s character and personality in leadership. Over the years, based upon personal experiences, I discover that the ability to hear and listen to people is the most skill a good leader owns. Asking questions, the right ones, will allow a leader to make connection to people. Hearing and listening to people starts from keen observation of people. In addition to basic survival demands, a person is also in need of recognition to have a fulfilled and meaning life. A leader’s strong listening skill is also a way to demonstrate empathy and understanding. I found it interesting that the most effective and successful leaders I have encountered are those who are taciturn and calm with excellent listening skill; they not only listen to people but they do with a kind heart. Those great leaders’ silent charm is loud contrast to their quiet personality. If you ever run into a great one you would understand what I mean silent vs loud.       

            The journey to living your leadership legacy begins with what you believe.

            The following is the Three Leadership Imperatives:

1)      You must dare to be a person, not a position

-Be self-assured but also humble

-Be calm in a storm, not defensive

-Keep your ego in check; gain commitment rather than compliance

-Readily admit your mistakes and take responsibility for your action

-Seek expertise and surround yourself with talent

-Demonstrate respect for people at all levels

-Do what you say you are going to do

-Be honest

     2) You must dare to connect with people

            -Ask questions to explore the motivations of others

            -Respond to the perspectives of others with empathy

            -Make a point to talk one-on-one with people

            -Listen intently, and repeat back what you heard

            -Point out people’s individual strengths to them

            -Remember and consistently use people’s name

            -Broadcast the success of others

            -Use Words and stories to draw people in

     3) You must dare to drive the dream

            -Remain relentlessly committed to a dream

            -Help people to see the outcome of the dream in years to come

            -Keep asking “what if” before a plan is finalized

            -Welcome risk or change if it serves the dream

            -Figure out ways to narrow the gap between what is and what is desired

            -Remain optimistic regardless of unforeseen

            -Tackle the details of “what,” ”why,” ”where,” and “how.”

            -Genuinely have fun (page 76-77)

Reference:

The Ken Blanchard Series: Simple Truths Uplifting the Value of People in Organizations