John Maxwell speaks often in his writings of 360 degree leadership. Leaders lead no matter where they are on the organizational chart. Read 1 Chronicles 11:1-3.

Saul, the king of Israel, and his sons had been killed in battle with the Philistine army. The people of Israel, knowing that David had been anointed the next king long before Saul’s death, came together and appointed him king of Israel. As the most influential man in the country, David was leading long before Saul’s death and long before the people appointed him king. David was a leader long before he had position or a title.

Like it or not, position does not make a person a leader. Title may give someone authority, but not influence. Influence is earned. What can we learn from David in these 3 verses concerning how he gained influence?

• David created unity and identified with the people. They saw David as one of them, not just ethnically but from how he treated them.
• David had demonstrated his ability to lead. While Saul was king, David had carried out his assignments effectively, leading from the middle of the organizational chart.
• David worked cooperatively with the key leaders, not demanding positional authority.

Are you waiting until you have a specific position or a specific title or a certain level of authority to give your best as a leader? Effective leaders lead where they are. They go above and beyond the call of duty utilizing their influence in a 360 degree pattern. They have influence with those in their charge, their peers and those above them on the organizational chart.

Proverbs 21:8 in the Living Bible says, “A man is known by his actions. An evil man lives an evil life; a good man lives a godly life.”

Tags: Position/Title