[Kid Inspiration]

You don’t need a title to be a leader — by Mark Sanborn — This is the kind of book title I love!

Haven’t read the book yet… but it is on my to read list!

Great review from Kem Meyer, the Communications Director at Granger Community Church.

(Post is from May 06, but better late than never).

Read Post.

Here is an interview with the Author Mark Sanborn:

Mark Sanborn - A couple years ago, I was talking with the vice president of a multinational technology company in the south Denver area and he shared a story. He needed someone on his team to lead a mission-critical project. It wasn’t enough to find someone who would do a good job. He needed a leader who would do a great job. After careful thought and consideration, he approached a colleague, who I’ll call Bob, who was considered an up-and-comer. Bob had demonstrated tremendous potential and his work on previous projects had been exemplary. As past performance is one of the best indicators of future performance, the VP decided to sit down with him.

After explaining the project and what he wanted Bob to do, the VP extended an invitation to him to lead the project. After a brief pause, Bob responded, “I assume you’ll make me a director if I take this on.” His unexpected response caused the VP to pause. What were Bob’s real motivations? Was he a person driven by the need to contribute, or the need to gain? Would he act in the best interest of the organization, or only himself? After brief hesitation, he explained that the title change didn’t go with the invitation. Furthermore, he went on, given Bob’s concern, the VP was withdrawing his offer to lead the project.

The VP went back to the drawing board. After more deliberation, he came up with an alternative candidate. The person who came to mind was a woman, Gail, who had also shown great promise. Gail wasn’t actually a member of his team – in fact she acted in a freelance capacity. But the VP knew Gail’s can-do attitude and strong people and problem-solving skills were what were needed. Despite her lack of an official position within the company, the VP decided to ask Gail to lead the project. Given his previous experience with Bob, he approached her with some apprehension. In extending the offer, he added: “I want you to know that if you accept this challenge, and succeed, I can’t automatically make you a director.” Gail didn’t even hesitate. “That’s all right,” she said. “I don’t need a title to be a leader.”

Read the rest of the interview.

Bottom line: I love looking for people who are passionate and not looking for the recognition that comes from a leadership role.

Every believer is a minister of the gospel — not just the professionals. That’s why we don’t really use titles in our church culture… Pastor is a function… NOT a title.