Leaders Without Titles

What does it mean to lead? Are there natural born leaders? Can leadership be taught? Throw out everything you thought you knew. Leaders Without Titles challenges the way we determine who our leaders should be and uncovers the factors that really influence the ability to lead.

According to the author, formal authority is not the key to leading. There are six informal power attributes that draw people to others who may not have formal authority. All six of these attributes are necessary to be a complete leader. All six of these attributes can be developed and improved in every person.

The six attributes:

• Intellectuality: Individuals who think outside the norm of thinking by developing or conceptualizing ideas or logically processing information, including doctors and teachers
• Sociability: Anyone who can engage others without fear or anxiety, is rarely at a loss for words and exhibits communication skills that draw others to them, such as politicians and religious leaders
• Emotionality: Individuals who can use emotions to move others, such as motivational speakers and sports coaches
• Personability: People who are approachable, unselfish, real and unassuming, such as UCLA coach John Wooden and retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
• Physicality: A person seen as physically powerful, attractive or healthy—such as an athlete or movie star.
• Morality: A person who knows and applies the principle of fairness and goodness vs. evil and unfairness in how they conduct their life, including Rosa Parks

The book also makes a case for validating the attributes of leadership —such as courage and integrity and being a good listener—so they can be replicated in future leaders.

About the Author

Dr. Steve Sampson is the founder and president of SoTelligence, Inc., which offers a series of courses, seminars, workshops, and intensives designed to teach people social and emotional intelligence and provide them with the skills necessary to develop, grow, and maintain healthy and rewarding personal relationships at work, at home, and in their community.