By Mark Sanborn
My friend Mark Sanborn has just released his newest book, You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader. Below is an excerpt from this inspiring new resource on effective leadership. Recently, the vice president of a multinational technology company I know needed someone on his team to lead a 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, whom I'll call Bob, who was considered an up-and comer. Bob had demonstrated tremendous potential. 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, the VP explained that the title change didn't go with the assignment. Furthermore, he went on, given Bob's concern, maybe Bob wasn't the right person to lead the project.

The VP withdrew his offer and 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 was needed. Despite her lack of an official position within the company, the VP decided to ask Gail to lead the project. Given his experience with Bob, he approached her with some apprehension. After 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."

Leadership is Influence I couldn't have said it any better. You don't need a title to be a leader in life. And the simple fact of having a title won't make you a leader. I've found that everyone has the opportunity to lead, every day. It doesn't matter what your position is, or how long you've worked at your job, whether you help to run your family, a PTA committee, or a Fortune 1000 company. Anyone at any level can learn to be a leader and help to shape or influence the world around them.