When we think of leaders, we think of people at the front of the line who are in charge, know what they’re doing, and inspire others to follow, but Matt Jenkins knows more about that, as he explains in his new book, Becoming a Great Leader. . Being a leader is not just about being in the spotlight. It really is about serving others. If he is not a leader who has the best interests of his followers in mind, then no one will follow him for long. Leadership is also one of the highest aspirations that a person can have, not because of a desire for fame, fortune or power, but simply because a true leader is someone esteemed by others, someone who has the necessary attributes not only to be a great leader. but also a great person.
Therefore, we should all aspire to become great leaders, and Matt Jenkins, author, entrepreneur, Army officer, and leadership coach, shows us how. In the introduction, he promises us: “In this book, you will see how to practice attributes that will provide you with a path to go from being a follower who runs with the crowd, to being the great leader you have always wanted to be.” be.” He goes on to explain that, “You’ll see why trusting others, becoming self-taught, controlling your temper, and being charitable will help you make the journey to becoming a great leader.”
As the book progresses, Matt walks us through the various attributes that make a great leader and, best of all, encourages readers who may not yet be leaders to start where they are. We can all cultivate leadership attributes even before we start leading someone. Ways to cultivate such attributes include things as simple and decent as tipping our servers, taking care of our family, driving responsibly, and voting. As Jesus himself said, those who can be entrusted with small things will be given great things. So, as Matt makes clear here, if you cultivate these simple attributes, you will become a leader and take on the responsibilities that come with being one.
Of course, being a leader gets more complicated as the book progresses. One of the next big lessons is how to please people. This is accomplished by taking a genuine interest in people’s lives, interests, goals, and families. Says Matt, “When I work with people, I look to bring out their best qualities and that brings out their best efforts, which is best for everyone. It’s all too easy to overlook the delicate and fragile nature of the circumstances in which most people work. people”. their daily lives The people you lead are stressed, living with job insecurity, poor fitness and health problems; They may be dealing with a divorce, medical problems, trying to save money, raising their families, or struggling under the weight of debt. As a great leader, you need to be part of the solution for them. It should be an advocate for your success, not a hindrance.”
This is where you become a true leader, providing answers to problems, which will get people to follow you. The following chapters build on this idea, showing how to be a leader, especially in an organization, but also in daily life. Just a few of the twenty-five chapter titles include: Becoming Self-Confident, Becoming Self-Disciplined, Becoming Self-Taught, Choosing Your Words Carefully, Finding Your Role, Calibrating Your Team, and Knowing How to Make Change.
Throughout each chapter, Matt uses personal stories and metaphors to make his point. For example, in Chapter 13: Finding His Role, he talks about the three leadership roles and compares being a leader to running a three-ring circus. He uses this circus metaphor because being a leader is the same as being a master of ceremonies, a lion tamer and a tightrope walker. He then explains the similarities between each role and being a leader and concludes that you can lead a three-ring circus if you “know what role you have to play and why it’s important.
Remember, not every situation allows you to play the role you are most comfortable in, but you can be successful in any of the three-ring circus roles when you recognize what role the situation calls for and have the courage and ability to play it. such. a leader in that role. Practice the attributes of each of these roles and you’ll be ready when the circus comes to town.”
In addition to the main content, each chapter of Becoming a Great Leader begins with and is often based on an inspirational quote. For example, Chapter 8: Controlling Your Temper begins with a quote from General Norman Schwarzkopf: “I get angry at a principle, not a person.” Each chapter also has helpful activities that allow the reader to reflect on what has been learned in the chapter and how it can be applied to their personal lives to cultivate leadership qualities.
As I said at the beginning, I believe that everyone, regardless of their position in life, should aspire to become a great leader. Matt Jenkins does a great job showing us how. I would recommend this book especially to anyone entering the workplace for the first time or anyone graduating from college and starting a new career, as well as anyone currently dissatisfied with life who wants more success along with more happiness and Don’t be afraid of the responsibility of being a model for others by leading people. Everyone has the potential to become a great leader in their own area of expertise; now this book provides the tools to realize that potential.