I came to know about this book through a recent book review by The Straits Times. The book review itself did not satisfy my curiosity and I asked for a copy from the library to have a look at it. It is an interesting book talking about how all of us as individuals, working either for ourselves or for any organization, and regardless of the position we hold, can make a real difference to the outcome at the personal and the organizational level. It is about personal and business mastery and the realisation of full potential in us. And It is about the lessons for success and happiness in life.
I find the book to be very relevant. It serves as an affirmation of our belief and our value system. Like what the book has suggested, all of us can contribute to the success of our projects and our organization either as a technical specialist, a project manager or a supporting staff. And our contributions are measured based on the value-add we have created and not the title we hold i.e. it is outcome and performance-based, not title-based. In that sense, we are all leaders in our own right and have the choice and power to drive positive outcomes out of any negative conditions.
There are also many other useful lessons we can learn from this book. Some of them are listed below for your reference:
1) You need no title to be a leader with the help of the 4 natural powers all of us have:
Natural Power #1 - Every one of us alive in this moment has the power to go to work each day and express the Absolute Best within us. And you need no title to do that.
Natural Power #2 - Every one of us alive today has the power to inspire, influence, and elevate each person we meet by the gift of a great example. And you need no title to do that.
Natural Power #3 - Every one of us alive with life can passionately drive positive change in the face of negative conditions. And you need no title to do that.
Natural Power #4 - Every one of us alive to the truth about leadership can treat all stakeholders with respect, appreciation, and kindness - and in so doing raise the organization's culture to best of breed. And you need no title to do that.
2) Success is created through the performance of a few small daily disciplines that stack up over time to produce achievements far beyond anything you could have ever planned for. Failure, on the other hand, is just as easy to slip into. Failure's is nothing more than the inevitable outcome of a few small acts of daily neglect performed consistently over time so that they take you past the point of no return.
3) It has never been so important to be someone others respect. It has never been so important to keep the promises you make to your teammates and customers. And it has never been so essential to be authentic.
Happy reading and have a good month ahead
