ROBIN SHARMA’S “The Leader Who Had No Title”
What I learned and will probably remember for a long time
(Book review Ninang? “Hmm.. more of book report.”)

It’s been months since I read the book. But the appreciation of the lessons I learned and the unique presentation (lots of mnemonics!) of leadership principles is still fresh. The message of Robin Sharma’s “The leader who had no title”, I believe, is worth sharing. Well especially that the author himself encouraged readers to review his book and spread the “word”.

The book is not a spiritual one (I think) but reading it made me remember bible verses that affirm the leadership principles advocated. Maybe that’s the reason it also had such an impact on me (What do we really know apart from what God reveals?). Now, having actual impact on my life is another thing. Of course, the hardest of anything we read or teach is application. But for now, let me share what I learned and will probably remember for a long time.. with the corresponding bible verses (and few insights) brought to my attention.

I think this is more of a book report than a book review.  Because I only have One word to summarize what I think about the book: “Enlightening!”  Hmmm.. maybe two words: “Wow! Enlightening!” 😋 But don’t just take my word for it. Read the book!!!

FOUR PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP (from four teachers the fictional main character met in the book)

1. You need no title to be a Leader.
There is a leader in each one of us. We should lead ourselves before anyone else.
If every person will lead himself to do and be his best in whatever role and responsibility, life will be easier, and society more peaceful and productive.

How do we lead ourselves and lead others ultimately?
Remember “IMAGE”
I- Innovation- always aim to becoming someone better, upgrade yourself
M- Mastery- the things you can do best are the things you know most about
A- Authenticity – be sincere
G- Guts – be brave, take chances
E- Ethics – but adhere to what is legal and moral

2. Turbulent times build great leaders
We are not to be discouraged by opposition, challenges, and obstacles that come when we strive to do and give the best that we can. Failure, in a worldly sense, is only a stepping stone to ultimate success- as long as we don’t give up.

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

Remember “SPARK”
S- Speak with candor (delivering the truth and specifics)
P- Prioritize – you can’t do everything at the same time, know and commit to priorities and tackle them one by one
A- Adversity Breeds Opportunity- a closed door is a direction to a better way; see the silver lining in every cloud
R- Respond versus React – be helpful instead of critical
K- Kudos for everyone – always show your appreciation to people, no matter how little you think they contribute or accomplish

3. The Deeper your relationships, the stronger your leadership

“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” (Theodore Roosevelt)

“You get the best of others when you give the best of yourself.” – Harry Firestone

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

Remember “HUMAN”.
H- Helpfulness- do more than you are paid to do, go the extra mile
U- Understanding-listen more, speak less
M- Mingle- no social media can supplant personal interaction in terms of connectedness and meaningful relationships
A- Amuse- it’s always good to have laughter around; vibrate fun, energy, and a sense of humor (just laugh with the people around you even though they are laughing at you. They will have their turn as well 😋)
N- Nurture- Spend time with people. Make time for people. Be nice to them and treat everyone with respect and kindness.

4. To be a great leader, first become a great person
I remember little of this part from the book. It seems self-explanatory. And I can’t find where the book is now 😬. But this statement by itself is powerful. We can only give what we have. People cannot be led by those who do not walk their talk, or who themselves have so many unsettled and unsettling issues in life. So settle your issues about yourself.

A. First, know you are loved by an almighty God. You were worth the sacrifice of a loving God.

“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

B. Live the life God meant for you- Led by the Holy Spirit, above the standards of the world

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“For we are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (1 Corinthians 2:14-16)

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SEVEN FUNDAMENTALS OF PERSONAL LEADERSHIP
1. Learning- read, listen, attend seminars
2. Affirmations- speak positively to yourself
3. Visualization- personal leadership hour– I translated this to a quiet time with God; spend time alone (in prayer- my take) and have a vision of what you want to achieve in accordance with the will of God.
4. Journaling – your life is a gift, capture it as much as you can in words; Write!
5. Goal setting- this will generate hope and positive energy
6. Exercise – move!
7. Nutrition- eat right!
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FIVE RULES
1. See clearly- wake up 5 am
– Perceive conditions and circumstances clearly devoid of bias or emotion
– Gratitude is the antidote to fear
– Breaking through limits of mind to step into the spirit
– Happy people make happy leaders
– (spend devoted time to prayer and meditation of the word of God)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)

2. Health is Wealth
-When you lose your health you lose everything
-Your health will never be better than your self image

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

3. Inspiration Matters
-You can’t inspire when you’re not inspired
– Listen to Music and interesting people
– (Read the Bible)

4. Neglect not your family
– A huge amount of joy can be found in cultivating beautiful relationships with your family and friends.
– Elevate your lifestyle
– Enjoy life
– Real key is to get the things you want while making sure they don’t get you
– (Tithe, give 😊)

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)

5. The main aim of life is to become all you’re meant to be. Contribution is the ultimate purpose of work and life. Success is not about what you receive but what you return.

– “The great and glorious legacy of man is to live with purpose.” (Philosopher Montaigne)
– Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20)
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(I think the Holy Spirit should be this leader in each one of us. We can ask of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead us to “God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.”)

– Ninang reviewing thoughts 🤔🤓