When we think of leaders, we think of people at the front of the queue who are in charge, know what they’re doing, and inspire others to follow, but Matt Jenkins knows more about that, as he explains in his new book, Becoming a Great Leader. . Being a leader is not just about being in the spotlight. It really is about serving others. If he is not a leader who has the best interests of his followers in mind, then no one will follow him for long. Leadership is also one of the greatest aspirations a person can have, not because of a desire for fame, fortune or power, but simply because a true leader is someone esteemed by others, someone who has the necessary attributes not only to be a great leader. but also a great person.

So we should all aspire to become great leaders, and author, entrepreneur, military officer, and leadership coach Matt Jenkins shows us how. In the introduction, he promises us, “In this book, you’ll see how to practice attributes that will provide you with a path from being a follower who runs with the crowd, to being the great leader you’ve always wanted to be.” be.” He goes on to explain that, “you will see why trusting others, becoming self-taught, controlling your temper, and being charitable will help you make the journey to becoming a great leader.”

As the book progresses, Matt walks us through the various attributes that make a great leader and, best of all, encourages readers who may not be leaders yet to start where they are. We can all cultivate the attributes of leadership even before we begin to lead someone. Ways to cultivate such attributes include such simple and decent things as tipping our servers, taking care of our family, driving responsibly, and voting. As Jesus himself said, those who can be trusted with little things will be given great things. So, as Matt makes clear here, if you cultivate these simple attributes, you will become a leader and take on the responsibilities that come with being one.

Of course, being a leader gets more complicated as the book progresses. One of the next big lessons is how to please people. This is accomplished by taking a genuine interest in people’s lives, interests, goals, and families. Says Matt, “When I work with people, I look to bring out their best qualities and that brings out their best efforts, which is what is best for everyone. It is very easy to overlook the delicate and fragile nature of the circumstances in which most people work. people”. their daily lives. The people you manage are stressed, living with job insecurity, poor fitness and health problems; they may be dealing with a divorce, medical problems, trying to save money, raising their families, or struggling under the weight of debt. As a great leader, you must be part of the solution for them. It should be an advocate for your success, not an obstacle.”

This is where you become a true leader, providing answers to problems, which will make people follow you. Successive chapters build on this idea, showing how to be a leader, especially in an organization, but also in everyday life. Just a few of the twenty-five chapter titles include: How to Become Confident, Become Self-Disciplined, Become Self-Taught, Choose Your Words Carefully, Find His Role, Calibrate Your Team, and Know How to Bring Change.

Throughout each chapter, Matt draws on personal stories and metaphors to illustrate his point. For example, in Chapter 13: Finding His Role, he talks about the three leadership roles and compares being a leader to running a three-ring circus. He uses this circus metaphor because being a leader is simultaneously a master of ceremonies, a lion tamer and a tightrope walker. He then explains the similarities between each role and being a leader, concluding that you can lead a three-ring circus if you “know what role to play and why it’s important.

Remember, not every situation allows you to play the role you feel most comfortable with, but you can be successful in any of the three-ring circus roles when you recognize what role the situation calls for and have the courage and ability to play it. such. a leader in that role. Practice the attributes of each of these roles and you’ll be ready when the circus comes to town.”

In addition to the main content, each Becoming a Great Leader chapter begins with and is often based on an inspirational quote. For example, Chapter 8: Controlling Your Temper begins with a quote from General Norman Schwarzkopf: “I get angry at a principle, not at a person.” Each chapter also has helpful activities that allow the reader to reflect on what has been learned in the chapter and how it can be applied in their personal lives to cultivate leadership qualities.

As I said at the beginning, I believe that everyone, regardless of station in life, should aspire to become a great leader. Matt Jenkins does a great job showing us how. I would highly recommend this book to anyone entering the workplace for the first time or anyone graduating from college and starting a new career, as well as anyone currently dissatisfied with life who wants more success along with more happiness and don’t be afraid of the responsibility of being a role model for others by leading people. Everyone has the potential to become a great leader in their own area of ​​expertise; now this book provides the tools to realize that potential.