Leadership above the Line

by Sarah Sumner

Are you living “above the line”? Are you living and leading with integrity, excellence, and character? In Leadership above the Line, Dr. Sarah Sumner introduces a grid called The People Model. The People Model is versatile. It freely goes wherever people are. It applies to relationships anywhere―in the workplace, the home, volunteer clubs, businesses, government, nonprofits, schools, churches, hospitals, you name it. But what sets The People Model apart is its ethical dimension―it will help you become a better person. The People Model describes three sets of people―Strategists, Humanitarians, and Diplomats―and its goal is to help people live above the line in all three categories. Apply The People Model and you will increase your self-awareness, find new motivation, and be able to approach relationships with creativity that will make you more effective. Leadership above the Line takes a unique approach among books of this genre, in that it doesn't just explain The People Model, it models it through an engaging story―one that might just sound familiar to parts of your own story! Leadership above the Line also includes an entire section on applying The People Model, as well as a People Model Test and a People Model Workbook for small groups. Leadership above the Line invites you to experience living and leading above the line.

Genres: Leadership, Personal Development

208 pages, Hardcover

First published June 12, 2006

Reviews

[Scott]

Written as a story, this book explores how different personalities interact in a work environment. It provides understanding into why other people act they way they do and what happens when they drop below the line (allowing their dark side to rule). It also provides practical suggestions to help you understand how you function and how to get above the line when you are allowing your dark side to rule.

[Jay Risner]

One of the better books in this genre

[Greg Davenport]

Great book on keeping your leadership from falling 'below the line' of the dark side of your character.

[Andy Johnson]

Great model. One of the few that describes both the upside and the downside of three core leadership styles.

[Reza Jafareian]

4.00

The author has done a brilliant job explaining three types of people models in any organization. This book should be a training course, especially for HR professionals.

Having identified my own category, I now understand better why some colleagues behave the way they do. I rate this book highly due to the key terms and lessons learned

[Kelsey]

Really appreciated this short book. I always like when nonfiction is presented in a narrative form!

[Laura-Jane Barber]

I wasn't sure at first that it would hold my attention because I was not looking for a book with a narrative aspect. However, the narrative was key in explaining the process and I ended up really enjoying this book. It requires us to be introspective and take time to self-evaluate. I was a little surprised by my results from the quiz at the end, but upon further reflection, I can see it. I loved that tie-in to the Bible and the parallels drawn. Very powerful and unexpected. I recommend this book for everyone as the principles apply to all facets of life. It's about living life above the line, being good people and not allowing negativity dictate our actions.

[Rick]

Nothing special

[JJ Vancil]

Good principles, but confusing. It tries to simplify problems, but does so with a complex system.

[William Chamberlin]

Anyone who is in leadership will enjoy learning about how and why you do what you do in relational dynamics