21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

By John C. Maxwell

“Leadership is developed daily, not in a day.”

1. Five myths about leadership: (p. 17)

Leading and managing are one and the same (Leadership is actually about influencing people to follow; management is focused on maintaining systems and processes).

All entrepreneurs are leaders (If they are not good with people, they cannot lead).

People who possess knowledge and intelligence are natural leaders (Neither IQ nor education necessarily equates to leadership).

Those out in front of the crowd are leaders (Being a trendsetter or pioneer does not make one a leader).

Leadership is based on position (It’s not the position that makes the leader; it’s the leader that makes the position—it’s all about influence).

2. Leadership is…(pp. 17-18)

Character- Who they are

Relationships- Who they know

Knowledge- What they know

Intuition- What they feel

Experience- Where they have been

Past Successes- What they have done

Ability- What they can do

3. Seeing the trip ahead: (p.38) The Law of Navigation “…Leaders see the whole trip in their minds before they leave the dock. They have vision for getting to their destination, they understand what it will take to get there, they know who they’ll need on the team to be successful, and they recognize the obstacles long before they appear on the horizon.”

4. Connect with people: (pp.117-119) The Law of Connection

Connect first with yourself

Communicate with openness and sincerity

Know your audience

Live your message

Go to where they are

Focus on them, not yourself

Believe in them

Offer direction and hope

Summary by: Nicole Johnson and Stephanie Dixon

Instructional Leader Application: How connected are you with your faculty and staff? Is there a frequent line of communication? Do you believe that they can accomplish what needs to be done?

Instructional Leader Application: Can you see where you want your school to be in one year, three years, or five years? Do you know what needs to be done to get there? What are the possible setbacks?

I want you to

think about

which myths

you have

bought into.

What are your

thoughts about

leadership?

The author discusses the reality of true

leadership. We can relate to some or all of

these as potential or current leaders.

5. Being an example to your followers: (pp. 160-163) The Law of the Picture

Followers are always watching what you do

It is easier to teach what is right than to do what is right

We should work on changing ourselves before trying to improve others

The most valuable gift a leader can give is being a good example

Leaders tell but never teach until they practice what they preach - Featherstone

6. Timing is Everything: (pp. 236-238) The Law of Timing

The wrong action at the wrong time leads to disaster

The right action at the wrong time brings resistance

The wrong action at the right time is a mistake

The right action at the right time results in success

Ingredients to improved timing: understanding, maturity, confidence, Experience, intuition, and preparation

7. Develop your leadership legacy: (pp. 259-261) The Law of Legacy

Know the legacy you want to leave

Live the legacy you want to leave

Choose who will carry on your legacy

Make sure you pass the baton

Online Resources Available

for Further Exploration

On Slideshare: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership- jperillo The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership- Omar Caceres The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership John C Maxell – Graduatestudies Ub The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership- Sompong Yusoontorn Great handout: http://www.u-leadership.com/the_21_irrefutable_laws_of_leadership-w.pdf John Maxwell on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch

?v=HuP8tpLotvc

Instructional Leader Application: Do your student body, faculty, and staff see the qualities and characteristics in you that are expected of them?

Instructional Leader Application: How can you improve timing when it comes to making decisions as a school leader? Are you willing to admit when you are pushing the right action at the wrong time?

Instructional Leader Application: How will you develop a school that has a legacy of success? What do you want your legacy to be as a school leader?

Tips for Success: 1. Assess your leadership ability. See the evaluation tool provided. 2. Develop a personal plan for growth. 3. Develop the habit of reflective thinking- learn from mistakes 4. Improve your communication skills. 5. Know your weaknesses and develop a plan to improve them.