The 360 Degree Leader Developing your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization John C. Maxwell The Myths of Leading from the Middle of an Organization 99% of all leadership happens in the middle  of an organization You can learn to make a positive impact even  if you report to someone who is not a good leader Need to lead in 3 directions– up, down, and  across Position Myth I can’t lead if I am not on top The true measure of leadership is influence–  nothing more, nothing less You must earn the right to lead  Position- people follow because the have to  Permission- people follow because they want to  Production- people follow because what you have done for  the organization People Development- People follow because of what you  have done for them Personhood- People follow because of who you are and  what you represent Destination Myth When I get to the top, I will learn to lead If you want to succeed, you need to learn as  much as you can about leadership BEFORE you have a leadership position If you do not try out your leadership and  decision making skills when the stakes are low, you are likely to get in trouble when the cost of making a mistake is high Influence Myth When I get to the top, I’ll be in control A position gives you a chance, but it cannot  guarantee influence --that must be earned A position doesn’t make a leader  A leader can make the position  Inexperience Myth When I get to the top, I’ll be in control The higher you go the more you realize how  many factors control the organization At the top you need every bit of influence you  can muster Freedom Myth When I get to the top, I’ll have no limits It doesn’t matter what job you do or what  position you obtain– you WILL have limits The amount of responsibility you have  increases faster than the authority you are granted You must tailor your responses to a greater  variety of people to maximize their potential Your rights decrease as your responsibilities  increase Customer, worker, leader, CEO  Potential Myth--I can’t reach my potential if I am not the top leader Strive for the top of your game, not the top of  the organization Example given is Cheney – “You plug him in  and he works anywhere. He just has a real good way of fitting in and working his environment.” All or Nothing Myth If I can’t get to the top, I won’t try to lead “I believe that individuals can become better  leaders wherever they are. Improve your leadership, and you can impact your organization. You can change people’s lives. You can be someone who adds value. You can learn to influence people at every level of the organization– even if you never get to the top. By helping others, you can help yourself.” Challenges Leaders Face Leading from the middle is tough and  frustrating!!!!