**[Book Title]{.underline}**: [LEADERSHIP 101]{.underline}

**[Author]{.underline}**: JOHN C. MAXWELL

**[Publisher]{.underline}**: THOMAS NELSON, INC.

**[Publication Date]{.underline}**: 2002

Two thumbs up! I found [Leadership 101]{.underline} to be a great
stepping stone towards continual leadership enrichment. Below, I'll
disclose some of the concepts that were discussed:

-   The "Law of the Lid" concerns a person's leadership ability (the
    lid) that determines his effectiveness, and, thus, his potential
    impact on his organization. To reach the highest level of
    effectiveness, the aspiring leader must work to raise that lid by
    learning and applying further lessons in the book.

-   The "four phases of leadership growth," shows progression through
    the leader's journey from novice toward master ... and may take a
    lifetime. Even if a person possesses natural leadership talent, he
    still must prepare and train to become effective. The ability to
    lead is a compilation of skills that can be learned, practiced, and
    continually improved upon, meaning anyone can master these skills
    with commitment of time and effort.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   "Traits of a Leader" include self-discipline, prioritizing one's
    life, developing trust, and forming a vision. The trait that most
    intrigued me was prioritizing using the Pareto Principle, or the
    "20/80 principle." The top 20% of priorities will yield 80% of
    production if time, energy, and resources are targeted on the top
    priorities. I'm reminded of the catch phrase, "Work smarter, not
    harder."

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   "Impact of a Leader" defines and explains influence, myths of
    leadership, levels of leadership, the leadership-levels process, and
    empowerment. Also discussed is the importance of instilling a line
    of succession to ensure leadership continues. The true measure of
    leadership is influence.

While exploring this book, I learned a lot about myself (leadership
strengths and weaknesses), and I've been given tools to apply in my work
and personal life. I intend to use most of what I learned in this book,
especially the Pareto Principle. By prioritizing my work, tackling the
top 20%, and completing those priorities, I'll realize the most gain. To
do this, I may have to incorporate what the book calls "planned
neglect," where I deliberately neglect everything of lower priority
until my high priorities are complete. This will take some effort, since
my workdays are usually full of multitaskings, and my habit is to be
efficient (doing things right) instead of being effective (doing right
things). I learned that under certain conditions I may have to
concentrate on doing the right things vice doing things right.

The book supports my long-held theory that leading and managing are
different functions. Managing focuses on maintaining systems and
processes, while leadership is about influencing people to follow.

Regarding the "Traits of a Leader," the book asserts that earned trust
is the most precious asset a leader can possess. However, a trait that
I've always respected in leaders is character. Indeed, the book also
states that, "[Character]{.underline} makes [trust]{.underline} possible
... and [trust]{.underline} makes [leadership]{.underline} possible." I
believe I have the potential to become a leader with character. I'm
consistent, possess integrity, strive for results, demonstrate a genuine
regard for people, try to make sound decisions, admit my mistakes, and
put what's best for my followers and the organization ahead of my
personal agenda. I do see a need to direct effort toward forming a
vision. Why? Because if I don't know where I'm going, how can I expect
people to follow me? Vision should guide and inspire me toward a target,
goal, or objective. Once I establish and commit to my vision, it will be
easier to motivate my followers to work toward attaining it.

The only negative thing I can say about the book was the author's
inclusion of God or religion as an essential part of being a leader. I
fear that many non-religious readers could be turned off by John
Maxwell's assertion that leaders should have God in their lives. This
assertion detracts from otherwise great insights that Mr. Maxwell
imparts to potential leaders like me. I say, scratch any reference to
God or religion.

In closing, I think I'm a good manager, but I'd like be a good leader.
[Leadership 101]{.underline} did an excellent job in educating the
potential leader (me) on leadership fundamentals. I am inspired and
enthusiastic about learning more toward becoming an effective leader. I
look forward to continuing and fulfilling my leadership journey.

I give [Leadership 101]{.underline} !