The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You

In this book you will read about people who accomplished some sort of leader spot. I learned some interesting facts.

John C. Maxwell's book is enlightening and fresh. He has given me an entirely new perspective on leadership. Although I am not currently in a position to lead, he has inspired me to do so. He uses encouraging and inspiring language that is easy to read and hard to put down. He is very blunt and presents the material in a very "common-sense" way. Maxwell really focuses on what is important. Each chapter outlines one of the 21 laws. He discusses the importance of earning your employee's trust, having influence over them, and growing with your followers. He also stresses the importance of training your successor. He is extremely blunt about the fact that a leader with no followers is no leader at all. A true leader is defined by the people who they attract, not by a title or rank. Maxwell states that leadership cannot be appointed or assigned, it has to be earned. He says, "The true meaning of leadership is influence- nothing more, nothing less," and "Trust is the foundation of leadership." Two statements that seem like common sense, but some leaders lack. One thing I found the most interesting was his claim that managing is not true leadership. Managers typically focus on maintaining the system, but leaders are able to create change. This is the difference between the two. This is a concept that has never occurred to me before, but makes sense to me now. Maxwell also makes use of many personal anecdotes and examples that make the material very easy to grasp for readers. He has a lot of leadership experience to speak of. I highly recommend this book for anyone in all walks of life. Whether you are currently in a leadership position, at the bottom of the corporate ladder, or on the verge of retirement, you will learn something from Maxwell. With a little direction from him, you will be on your way to becoming a true leader.

I received this book as a gift years back and all I can say is that I pick up something new every single time I read this book. This is one of those books that stand the test of time. Whether you lead a team of 10 or lead a team of 1, it will only help you understand who you are as a leader, and who you should be. John Maxwell shows you, through simple observation, common mistakes and helpful insights to becoming the best leader we can. He gives you tools to use and apply to our daily lives.

The best part of this book that seperates it from Covey - you don't have to master one to get to next level. Exploit your strengths, exploit your team's strengths and work together. It is all about making your self indespensable and then you will become a better leader. Funny that my thoughts before was never be indespensable. I truly learned alot from this book and I love the REAL examples they give that will reach across all age groups.

1. This is a great investment of your money, because you can always refer to it and remind yourself quickly and efficiently what's important and what you must focus on. Maxwell distills what you need to know in a caring and giving manner.2. His work will remain among the classics along with new works that should be part of your personal and professional library, which my company uses. Further recommend any hard-hitting and best-selling book on leadership, such as (1-Minute Manager) and (The Leader's Guide: 15 Essential Skills).