If you’ve been following along with our leadership author series, you realize that all great leaders have some things in common. For example, they all have a strong sense of self-awareness and choose to act with intention and integrity. In addition, these individuals also lead lives that put the needs of others before themselves. It makes sense why so many people choose to look up to them as a source of wisdom and inspiration. And for the purpose of today’s article, we’re going to be talking about another global leader and business coach, John Maxwell. Therefore, keep reading if you want to learn more about him and some of his most excellent teachings.
Who is John Maxwell?
Before his successful career as a leadership and personal development coach, John Maxwell was a pastor of a small church located in Ohio. With an inherent passion for making a difference in the lives of others, John has dedicated his 50-year career to teaching and coaching others in the topics of leadership and development.
Furthermore, in that time, Mr. Maxwell has established himself as a keynote speaker, founder of The John Maxwell Company and several other coaching and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, he is an author of over 100 books that have sold millions of copies worldwide. Further, John works with corporate leaders, teams, Fortune 500 companies, students, and others to help them lead meaningful, fulfilled lifestyles founded on purpose. In addition, his website also features a section of free resources available to those who want to become better leaders in their employment and personal lives.
What Books Did John Maxwell Write?
Moreover, while Mr. Maxwell has written over 100 books thus far in his career, many of which has reached the New York Times bestseller list, we’re putting together a list of some of our favorites. These books will help you become more knowledgeable in managing a high-performing team by becoming an effective servant leader yourself. Let’s take a closer look at each of these books below.
1. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow them and People Will Follow You
The first book on our list of John Maxwell publications we think you’ll enjoy is “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow them and People Will Follow You.” This book provides readers with an in-depth understanding of leadership and how it works through lessons and guides. Additionally, this book also holds several powerful tools and tips that will teach you how to lead others efficiently to achieve success in teams and in your organization as a whole.
2. Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success
Another fantastic book by John Maxwell is “Falling Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success. Experiencing failure is a part of life. However, how we choose to respond to that failure determines whether we will succeed or not, which is precisely what this book teaches you. It reveals how mindsets and outlooks can influence our potential while providing you with tools to overcome challenges in your work and personal life.
3. Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others
Furthermore, this next book by Mr. Maxwell, “Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others,” is a book that helps readers develop their written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills to impact others. He emphasizes that to create a meaningful last impression on others, we must first gain their trust by leading with integrity.
4. Developing the Leader Within You
The last book on our list we think holds valuable pieces of information to help you develop your leadership skills is “Developing the Leader Within You.” This book provides insightful tips and tricks to live a more disciplined and prioritized lifestyle, but it also teaches you that the majority of leaders aren’t born but instead crafted. Therefore, with the help of this book, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to upgrade your life positively.
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John Maxwell Quotes
Moreover, now that we understand who John Maxwell is and what some of his greatest books are, we’ve compiled a list of some of his most inspirational quotes you may find helpful and encouraging throughout your day. Let us know which quote is your favorite in the comment section below!
- “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.”
- “Ideas have a short shelf life, and you must act on them before the expiration date.”
- “All good leaders are connectors. They relate well and make people feel confident about themselves and their leader.”
- “Leaders who fail to prune their pride will meet demise. That’s not a guess; it’s a guarantee. With pride, it’s not a matter of if we will fail, but when. There are no expectations.”
- “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”
3 of John Maxwell’s Greatest Lessons
Lastly, while John Maxwell has bestowed numerous lessons to others throughout his successful career, here is a look at some of his greatest that we can all learn from.
1. Leadership is visual
To be an effective leader, you must lead by example. Therefore, to inspire others to follow you, you need to show who you are. Do so through meaningful action and behaviors, rather than demanding things from others.
2. Build trust with others
Another one of the greatest lessons from John Maxwell is to build trust amongst those you lead. Otherwise, they will not follow you. Therefore, to do so, you must be competent in your role, connect with others, and show your true character.
3. Leadership is a process, not a position.
Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for people to believe that leadership is associated with gaining a specific employment role. However, according to Mr. Maxwell, this is incorrect and damaging. Leadership begins from within. And it can start at any time, not only when you land that employment position you want. Therefore, to be an authentic leader, begin thinking and acting like today as it is a continuous, life-long process.
