The Next Gen Leader

About the Author

Robert C. McMillan is renowned as one of the world’s foremost experts on leadership transformational systems. Personally trained by leadership guru John C. Maxwell, McMillan’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in over two decades of hands-on experience in corporate America. His client roster includes prestigious names such as Motorola, BlueCross BlueShield, and General Electric. He is the founder of the Next Gen Leader Institute and a sought-after speaker, consultant, and coach, inspiring organizations and professionals worldwide.

Main Idea

The essence of "The Next Gen Leader: Cutting Edge Strategies to Make You the Leader You Were Born to Be" by Robert C. McMillan is to unlock and maximize the leadership potential within each individual. McMillan posits that everyone has the innate ability to lead, but realizing this potential requires constant development and application of leadership skills. Through his 6G Leadership System, McMillan provides a comprehensive framework that integrates organizational and professional goal congruences, maximizing the leadership potential of every professional.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The 6G Leadership System
3. You Are a Leader
4. The Truth About Leadership
5. The Seven Leadership House Rules of Engagement
6. Circle of Life Apps
7. The Six Generations of Leadership
8. Conclusion

The 6G Leadership System

Understanding the 6G Leadership System

Leadership, according to McMillan, is a network of applications embedded within each of us, referred to as the 6G Leadership System. To lead effectively, leaders must operate within this system, which is designed to identify, cultivate, and build leadership aptitudes. McMillan likens this to how cell phones operate on multiple networks, needing adaptability based on specific scenarios or situations.

The 6G Leadership System includes six distinct networks:

• 1G-Genetic Leader: Recognized for innate potential.
• 2G-Generic Leader: Accepted as a leader by others.
• 3G-Go-To Leader: Known for achieving results.
• 4G-Growth Leader: Consistent in business performance and growth.
• 5G-Gateway Leader: Creates opportunities and drives change.
• 6G-Genius Leader: Respected for leadership agility and influence.

Leadership Applications

The 6G Leadership System also includes six applications that lay dormant in many but are essential for effective leadership. These applications are:

• Awareness App: Recognizing innate leadership abilities.
• Acceptance App: Embracing the role of a leader.
• Acknowledgement App: Being recognized by others for leadership actions.
• Achievement App: Noting business achievements as a result of leadership.
• Acceleration App: Enhancing business performance through leadership actions.
• Agility App: Creating flexibility and growth within the organization.

You Are a Leader

McMillan firmly believes that everyone is born with the potential to be a leader. In today’s competitive world, innovation and groundbreaking ideas come from leaders, not followers. Leadership requires constant maintenance and upgrades to operate at maximum potential. According to McMillan, leadership is a choice, not a position, and it starts with the conscious decision to lead.

True leadership begins with excitement and enthusiasm about the journey. Leaders should view leadership as an opportunity to influence actions and outcomes, inspire others, and share rewards. This is crucial in transforming an organization from a culture of followership to one of leadership.