The old way of leading is over. Many of the best known organizations have fallen and some of the ‘most revered leaders’ have lost face. The local and global economy have now transformed and with all the new media, everyone can now build a following and lead in their field.

 

We have entered what is called, “the decade of leadership”. Leadership is democratized! You need no title to be a leader. Anyone who understands this can lead regardless of his or her official title in an organization. We now work and live in a world where leadership is not just something executives do. It is something everyone needs to do for their organizations to survive, in this period of dramatic change - the so called “change of era”.

Based on his book The Leader Who Had No Title Robin Sharma elaborates on nine smart moves that one can make today to start changing the game and crating exceptional results:

 

Remember that you do not need a title to be a leader

Leadership has less to do with the size of your title than the depth of your commitment. Leadership isn’t really about authority. It’s about a choice you can make to do your best work each and every day, regardless of where you’re planted.

 

Shift from victimhood to leadership

No great career, business, or life was ever created on a platform of excuses. Too many people play victim at work. They blame the boss or the economy or the competition or the weather for their less than mediocre results. Leaders without a title are different. They get that they have power. It may not be the power granted through a title like CEO or SVP. But they have power. And that’s the power to see opportunity amid crises. That’s the power to drive positive change.

 

Innovate or Stagnate

To lead without a title is to leave everything you touch better than you find it. Mediocrity happens when people refuse to change and improve all that they do. The best leaders and the best enterprises have a hunger to improve and innovate. It’s such a deep part of their culture they know of no other way to be.

 

Become a value creator versus a clock watcher

Success comes from the value you add rather than from the “busy-ness” you show. Leadership is a game of focus. Focusing on fewer but smarter activities, the ones that create real value for your teammates, customers, and the world at large (the vital few).

 

Put people first

“The business of business is people”! Let’s remember that people do business with people they like, trust, and respect. Deepen human connections. Treat others with respect. And put people first.

 

Remember that tough times build strong leaders

Look at any exceptional leader and you’ll find that they stepped into their leadership best during a period of crises versus calmness. To lead without a title is to hunt for opportunity amid every adversity. Every setback has the seeds of an opportunity.

 

Go to your limits

The more you leave your comfort zone, the bigger your comfort zone will grow. Each day at work, do the things you must do but are scared to do. That’s how you grow, build your leadership capability and access more of the leader within you. There’s zero safety in staying within what I call “the safe harbor of the known”.

 

Lead yourself first

The leader who had no title isn’t just a book showing you how to create exceptional business success and win a work, it’s also a handbook for personal leadership. Get to know your values. Think through what you want your life to stand for. Become physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. And, have a remarkably good relationship with your family and beloved ones. What’s the point of becoming super-successful yet being alone?

 

Give back a legacy

Success is good. Significance is even better: Sure, profit and peer recognition and doing great work are mission-critical. But even more important than is what you give - and all you leave behind. Stay focused on adding value. And, making an extraordinary contribution.

 

Source: “The Leader Who Had No Title: The New Way To Win In Business And In Life’’, by Robin Sharma.