Leveraging Your Leadership Style: Maximize Your Influence by Discovering the Leader Within

In "Leveraging Your Leadership Style" John Jackson and Lorraine Bossee-Smith provide the model for relationship driven leadership. The book is based on the premise that leadership is about positive and proactive influence in the context of healthy relationships. An important personality assessment guide helps the reader discover their behavior individuality traits (BIT) and leadership style. Whether commander, coach, counselor, or conductor, no BIT is better or worse than another. The first key to effective leadership is to identify and understand your leadership style. The nine chapters of this compact book also include profiles for each leadership style, suggestions for leveraging your style, and cautions for things to avoid. I found the chapter on mentoring especially important and meaningful. The authors provide insight into developing strategies to maximize your leadership style through defining your purpose, setting goals, living life to the full, and putting others first. This is a book that is motivational, instructional, and inspirational, brilliant in simplicity, profound in insight.

As a Commander (one of the leadership styles in the book) I'm telling everyone to get this book! Since I have a little Coach (another one of the leadership styles in the book) I'll stop ordering and convince you of your need. :) I have one copy. I plan to buy many more copies. As I grow my team here in Nashville I plan to use the book with my Key leadership as a quick testing/training tool. This book offers you the ability to take the teams you manage/lead on a journey of self discovery. In addition, it allows you to scope out your team and assure that they are in the right positions...based upon how they are wired. This quick read is perfect for leaders...who are mostly always on the go. John and Lorraine write a book that seems very conversational...and comfortable. In addition, John's authenticity comes through loud and clear. Not your traditional..."do it this way or you really are not a leader"...leadership book. Buy one...and then buy all of your team members one.

I thought the book did a great job affirming various temperaments and how those strengths can show up in leadership. I also appreciated the warnings for different personality styles. I think this book would be a huge asset to teams of leaders who can read through it and discuss it while on a retreat or at an extended meeting. Why you should read this book: * You will be affirmed. The book affirms leaders of various personality types and affirms leaders who do not currently hold an official leadership position. * You will be encouraged. This field of teaching is plagued with leadership principles taught by leaders who essentially communicate that in order to lead better, "Just be more like me." This book counteracts this pandemic. * You will talk. You will have a frame of reference to talk with other leaders on your team about the strengths and weaknesses that you all bring to the table.