How to Lead When You're Not in Charge with Clay Scroggins

Nov 21, 2017

Clay (short for Claytonious) Scroggins is the author of the best-selling book, How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority. It's a long title and a powerful message. Today, Kevin and Clay dig into what it means to lead when you aren't seen as the leader. 

• Clay is driven by purpose; he might be a pastor, but he considers himself regular. He explains what he has learned by not being a head pastor but still being in a position of leadership. It's not as simple as being in charge of something. Authority isn't what makes you a leader.
• Have you heard the concept, 'the gun of authority?' Clay explains what it is. It took him hearing a governor yelling at people to listen to him. You shouldn't have to tell a person you're in charge, and Clay talks about what makes a real leader.
• His book started with a 30-minute talk before Clay did the research and really dug into the topic. He talks about the fascinating interviews, including one with the former CEO of Home Depot, and how he found his first executive memo in the trash.
• It's not positional authority, it's not power, that makes leadership. What is the real currency? Clay likens it to a cream-filled donut. Really – you'll get it when you hear his explanation. It's the secret to cultivating a life of influence.
• There is a point of leadership – a moment in time where you can make a difference no matter whether you're in a position of authority or not. Want to know what it is? Is the moment when you have the opportunity to sway a room.
• Are you interested in receiving feedback to grow? Most people are, but they are missing one huge thing in getting it. Clay reveals what you can do to be better and grow every day, every project, every conversation.

If you feel like you don't have purpose at work, or you want to clarify your purpose at work, we have a free 5-day email course you can take with daily challenges and action steps to help bring the meaning you are meant to have into your everyday. Go to kevindmonroe.com/workpurpose.