[BOOKS ON SALE] 21 Irrifutable Law Of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

Maxwell defines the Law of the Lid by saying “leadership ability is the lid that determines a person’s level of effectiveness. The lower an individual’s ability to lead, the lower the lid on his potential.” This idea is troubling for some people because it means that no matter how much you desire to be a 10 on the scale of leadership, there is a cap to your abilities based on a number of factors. Some of these factors are your people skills, planning abilities, vision, dedication to success, and your past results. The truth is, there are very few 10’s in the world; however, when you leverage the law of the lid and assess your own leadership, then you will have a straightforward view of who your followers are, where they might land on the leadership scale, and areas in which you can grow in to raise your leadership lid. The reality is that if you are a 7 on the leadership scale, in most cases you won’t be able to lead someone who is an 8, 9, or 10. Yet your skills can still offer invaluable leadership to people who are at a level of a 5 or 6. The good news is, the law of the lid has room for flexibility. It is unwise to think that where you are today as a leader is as good as you will ever be. Every leader can grow, but it takes dedication to do so and a willingness to work for it. LAW #2 THE LAW OF INFLUENCE Maxwell’s definition for the Law of Influence is that “the true measure of leadership is influence nothing more, nothing less.” This, of course, is one of John Maxwell’s most famous quotes heard around the world (and world-wide web). It’s a great quote, but how often do you take time to ask yourself the big question: Who are you influencing? Maybe a bigger question for us to ask is, what type of influence are we offering those who follow us? Insecure leaders often influence people in such a way that it keeps others down in order to protect their own position of leadership in the group. This is a shame. The best leaders realize that leadership is always about raising people up to their highest potential, even if it means they one day become better leaders than themselves. Leadership is not determined by having a title. It doesn’t matter if you are CEO, Director, Superintendent, or Principal; you are not a leader if people do not follow your lead. Maxwell says, “True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that cannot be mandated. It must be earned.” He goes on to say, “When it comes to identifying a real leader… don’t listen to the claims of the person professing to be the leader. Don’t examine his credentials. Don’t check his title. Check his influence. The proof of leadership is found in the followers.” He ends the chapter with a famous leadership proverb, “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”