Book Recommendation: How To Lead When You're Not in Charge

Name of Book:  How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge

Author: Clay Scroggins

What’s the “Big Idea”?

In How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority, Clay Scroggins offers actionable steps on how to cultivate the influence needed to lead even when you lack the title and authority.  By focusing on the importance of identity and four key “behaviors,” including leading yourself, choosing positivity, thinking critically, and rejecting passivity, Scroggins encourages his readers to start being the leader they envision now and not wait for a formal position to start developing leadership skills.

Scroggins discusses the concept of challenging up and incorporates scripture references from Corinthians to support his ideas on valuing those who are leading.  He also argues that authority is not needed to be a good leader—a good leader will lead with or without authority.  A leader will lead when needed, regardless of their level of authority. Scroggins references 1 Peter 5:6 to support this concept: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”  When our intention is for good, we have the power of God behind our actions.

This book is a very beneficial read for those early in their careers and those already established in their careers who want to learn to “challenge up.” It is full of thoughtful reflections on leadership interspersed with humor and modern media examples. Scroggins’ honest and forthcoming writing style will have you smiling throughout—and sometimes even laughing out loud.

Why It Matters to Our Life, Work, and Leadership

This book offers a number of crucial insights to help you learn how to lead well right now in a measured and Godly way.

1. Authority is a tool for leadership, but not a necessity. A person can lead up or challenge up when they see a need.
2. Champion publicly, challenge privately. Always support your leader with public accolades, but when you see an issue that you think needs attention, do that in a one-on-one situation.
3. Value others above yourself. No leader is perfect, but learn from the qualities of your leader and emulate those in your work. Know where you are, but focus on where you want to be.
4. Have a healthy emotional posture when working with those above you. Don’t be led by your emotions. Monitor your heart and behavior. Use logic and reasoning with your leader and team as opposed to reacting in the moment.
5. How you see God will influence how you see yourself and your position. ​​God is getting you ready to move up or move to a different path, so be ready to accept what comes.

Favorite Quotes

1. “Jesus argues that the best leaders, the ones who align with his vision for leadership, will lead as servants who are aware of their responsibility and who answer to a higher calling.”
2. “But what you can do is focus on your own area of responsibility and make it great.”
3. “Each of us has a unique opportunity to create something right where we are. It doesn’t require special authority or a fancy title or having the corner office.”