Description
LEADERSHIP: A VIEW FROM THE MIDDLE offers a refreshing perspective from a leader in “the middle” of the workforce, down in the weeds with millions of other like-minded people. Part leadership lesson and part memoir, it presents true stories of the author’s leadership experiences over two lengthy careers in the U.S. Air Force and afterward. A career aircraft maintainer, Mitch Boling spent twenty-five years working on and sometimes flying in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. He uses these experiences to deliver leadership lessons that would be helpful to anyone seeking to navigate their way out of the middle and onto upper management and leadership positions.
Leadership in Three Parts
Each part of the book begins with an exhilarating ride in the back seat of an F-16 Fighting Falcon. At first glance one may think, how could riding in a fighter jet possibly equate to a leadership lesson? Well, it’s like this. I wanted to bring a sense of excitement while at the same time delivering a lesson in leadership. As I began going through my memories, I realized that nearly every experience I thought of had a leadership component to it. Even the rides in the fighter jets. What this boiled down to was a realization that we can look inside ourselves and learn from our own unique past experiences, even those that don’t seem to include a leadership element at the time.
JonSRennie
This is an important contribution to the study of leadership. Whereas most books focus on the top of the organization, on those who have been given power based on their rank or position, Boling shows how you can lead from wherever you are. As a veteran, I found his stories and lessons of leading others both in and out of the military to be real and relatable. Boling provides valuable insight on what it takes to lead effectively whether you are just starting out in your career or you are already a seasoned leader. This is a book I will give to all the leaders and aspiring leaders in my organization.
mbckcannon
I absolutely loved this book! As a veteran, I can relate to so many of the situations Mitch mentions in this book. Some of the instances described also showed some mistakes I’ve made in entry-level and part-time positions held after being a manager (trying to improve and change things that didn’t need changing). This book should be required reading for leadership courses and for those with goals to become military officers and corporate managers.
Kevin Cunningham
This book is part autobiography and part leadership lessons. Mitch does a great job of correlating his personal experiences with important points for leaders/prospective leaders to be aware of. Working in “the middle” and need some pointers to gain followers? This is your book. Not only does it have some interesting Air Force tales but it also points mid-level managers in the direction of great leadership. I’d highly recommend this book to employees at any level in order to provide them a unique perspective on leadership and how becoming a good leader can be beneficial in “the middle” of the workforce.
Gregory Primus
I am currently avionics on the F22 and there as a lot of references that only maintainers know about. I was able to emotionally relate to some of the stories. Having an incentive ride myself I felt the emotion and feeling. I can definitely use the lessons I learned here and use them for myself out here on the line. A must read for maintainers!