Leadership without leverage

In his book "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership," John C. Maxwell shares that influence is the key to great leadership.


"Positional leadership doesn't work in volunteer organizations.  Because a leader doesn't have leverage - or influence - he is ineffective.  In other organizations, the person who has position has incredible leverage.  In the military, leaders can use rank and, if all else fails, throw people into the brig.  In business, bosses have tremendous leverage in the form of salary, benefits, and perks.  Most followers are pretty cooperative when their livelihood is at stake.  But in voluntary organizations, such as churches, the only thing that works is leadership in its purest form."

If you really want to develop and grow your leadership ability, become a volunteer.  By ceding the trappings of formal leadership in this aspect of your life, you develop your ability to lead without title or leverage.

The opportunities to volunteer are endless: our churches, schools, community centers, thrive through the generosity of others.  More than a once a year engagement, look for an organization or role in which you can give over at least a period of months.  A longer commitment is better for the organization, and also gives you the time to develop and strengthen your leadership skills.

Best,
Bryan