The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – Introduction

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

John Maxwell is one of my most favorite authors and this book is one of the best books on leadership I have read.  John has the gift of simplifying the complex.  He is a communicator.

In the introduction, he explains the changes he has made for this 10th anniversary reissue.  However he also touches upon some key points that I’d like to present to you.

Leadership Requires the Ability to Do More Than One Thing Well

Speaking at a conference where John was teaching the 21 laws, a young college student approaches him and asks, “What is the one thing I need to know about leadership?”.  John answered, “The one thing you need to know about leadership is that there is more than one thing you need to know about leadership.”

To lead well, we must do 21 things well.

…here’s the caveat:

No One Does All 21 Laws Well

Once you have learned the 21 laws and have identified where you are average or below, start looking for team members whose skills are strong where you are weak.  This all-star team will complement you as well as you will complement them.  As John says, “…none of us is as smart as all of us”.

John also notes:

1. The laws can be learned. Some are easier to understand and apply than others, but every one of them can be acquired.
2. The laws can stand alone. Each law complements all the others, but you don’t need one in order to learn another.
3. The laws carry consequences with them. Apply the laws, and people will follow you.  Violate or ignore them, and you will not be able to lead others.
4. These laws are the foundation of leadership. Once you learn the principles, you have to practice them and apply them to your life.

The 21 laws are tools to help you achieve your goals.  The more you learn, the better leader you will become.