What would happen if a top expert with more than thirty years of leadership experience were willing to distill everything he had learned about l... read full description
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Jan 20, 2009
Rachel
rated it: 
It was ok. Again I read this book because it is a business book and was recommended by this work thing I was doing. The category it notes next to the barcode is business/religion- not exactly what you want to see on a business book. There were lots of references to church and organized church that kind of threw me off from the interesting stories that really took up most of the book. The stories in the book are related to mostly historical references of other businesses- short stories and fo
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May 05, 2011
Tony
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If you ask 10 people to recommend five books on leadership, one of John Maxwell’s books will be on every list. Of those books, most people cite “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” as his best work. It’s certainly his most well known.
Concise, Maxwell dictates the 21 laws a leader must follow to get others to follow the leader. Using numerous examples drawn from a variety of people from Mother Teresa to the founders of McDonalds, Maxwell show how people have either used the law More...
Concise, Maxwell dictates the 21 laws a leader must follow to get others to follow the leader. Using numerous examples drawn from a variety of people from Mother Teresa to the founders of McDonalds, Maxwell show how people have either used the law More...
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Aug 04, 2011
Merrick
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John Maxwell has a way of making the complex topic of leadership accessible to all. Maxwell avoids the trap of introducing intricate and easily forgotten models and instead uses the power of stories to convey powerful lessons. Only a master storyteller could have written this book and Maxwell demonstrates his artistry in each of the laws.
Maxwell learned about leadership as a pastor, which only serves to underscore the universal nature of leadership. By offering 21 laws, Maxwell prov More...
Maxwell learned about leadership as a pastor, which only serves to underscore the universal nature of leadership. By offering 21 laws, Maxwell prov More...
Oct 06, 2009
Wendy
rated it: 
Hey, it's good work if you can get it, writing self-help books for the Christian market. This one explains carefully things like how important it is to listen. And it chooses the cutest little examples - like how the McDonald's founders were nice guys and good salespeople but they really didn't have a leadership perspective so the restaurant never got going until this Ray guy came along....
He left out the part about the invention that freeze dried potatoes. In fact, any time anything More...
He left out the part about the invention that freeze dried potatoes. In fact, any time anything More...
Feb 04, 2012
Omar
rated it:
As the title indicates, John presents in this book 21 fundamental laws of leadership. The laws are prefaced by four core concepts:
"1) The laws can be learned
2) The laws can stand alone
3) The laws carry consequences with them
4) These laws are the foundation of leadership"
The author then goes on to present the 21 laws, in greater detail filled with examples from both his personal experience and experiences of other great leaders. The laws More...
"1) The laws can be learned
2) The laws can stand alone
3) The laws carry consequences with them
4) These laws are the foundation of leadership"
The author then goes on to present the 21 laws, in greater detail filled with examples from both his personal experience and experiences of other great leaders. The laws More...
Aug 04, 2011
I read this one because the author was recommended to Nationwide's Emerging Leader's Program in which I want to participate next year. It's a very interesting read and I'm sure that I'll come back to it later in my career. The book is based on the idea that leaders are taught, not born and it intends to teach us how to be a leader. The first few laws are very useful for somebody in their early to mid-careers while the last few are very much meant to help leaders create more leaders under them an
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Feb 17, 2010
Rose
rated it:
Pompous, long-winded, contradictive, and many times just plain stupid, are some of the kinder phrases I would use to describe this book. If this hadn't been a mandatory read for my job, I wouldn't have gone past the introduction.
However, the fact that it was a mandatory read meant that I had plenty of co-workers who share very similar opinions. Not only did this provide support, but stamped out my concerns of being bias; as I did not like this author on principle to begin with.
He c More...
However, the fact that it was a mandatory read meant that I had plenty of co-workers who share very similar opinions. Not only did this provide support, but stamped out my concerns of being bias; as I did not like this author on principle to begin with.
He c More...
Oct 17, 2010
Jocelyn
rated it: 
This book was easy to read, gimmicky, and fascinating -- at least for someone who has not read a lot about leadership and is eager to learn. Leadership is influence, period. Once a leader has lost the respect of a group, he or she is finished as a leader of that group. People have to buy into you as a leader before they will buy into your vision. The church is a great breeding ground for leaders, because church leaders are followed by a bunch of volunteers. A church leader can't grant incentives
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Jul 27, 2011
Chris
rated it: 
It was not a bad book, but I was not incredibly impressed. Though I have not experienced all of these "laws" I would say that all of them are likely true. However, I was somewhat disappointed because much of it was simple common sense. Add to that the overconfident, almost self-righteous, attitude of the author, as well as a plug for his seminars every few pages, and one comes out with a feeling that the author is as interested in advancing his career as he is improving your leadership
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Nov 13, 2010
Chelsea
rated it:
I had to read this for my sports psychology class and ended up really enjoying it! It's a really easy, quick read and had a lot of great examples, stories, and advice. I felt that these laws could easily apply to leadership in the home (parents), at church (regardless of calling...just in serving others), as well as the more recognizable facets of leadership such as at a job or school. But it was really well written and a recommended read. I RARELY bother to read non-fiction, but I'm always
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Aug 01, 2011
I recommend this book. John C. Maxwell is very readable. He uses examples of leadership from historical figures as well as from contemporary religious, political, business & sports leaders. My only quibble is that there should be an updated version as some of his examples are dated. For example, he cites Lee Iacocca's turn around of Chrysler between 1979 & 1983 as an example of the Law of Sacrifice. That's a valid example, but the fact that Chrysler had to take the federal bailout again 30 years
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Apr 15, 2009
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell is a great book that will break down a day to day challenge of improving and revising your leadership abilities and knowledge. The book is amazing and I have loved every second of it; below I have broken down the 21 Laws and given a small general description of each. If you like Maxwell or enjoy reading on improving your leadership this book is the Zeus of them all.
The 21 Day Leadership Challenge
The law of the lid. More...
The 21 Day Leadership Challenge
The law of the lid. More...
Mar 01, 2008
Leslie
rated it:
---fyi: many of my xmas gifts to friends in similar industries are derivatives of this book-- "Leadership 101" and "Ethics 101." They are smaller, quick pick-me-up reads by the same author based from this book.
Maxwell is by far my favorite business forward authors ever! If I was approached with the question "Who would you love to spend a day with to further your business potential," it would definitely be him.
This book comes complete with sel More...
Maxwell is by far my favorite business forward authors ever! If I was approached with the question "Who would you love to spend a day with to further your business potential," it would definitely be him.
This book comes complete with sel More...
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Feb 23, 2011
Nathan
rated it:
Even though I 'only' marked with '3 Stars' that is more based on style of writing and type of book it is. If you are a corporate business person, small business owner, or entrepreneur, with 'bigger' dreams, it is must read for 'leadership'. It will stay at my desk side now.
Mr. Maxwell's 'laws' ring with clarity and are so simple; it is clearly written with a style toward one of seminars but it is so easy to understand as he 'teaches' each of his 'laws' with personal and historic examples More...
Mr. Maxwell's 'laws' ring with clarity and are so simple; it is clearly written with a style toward one of seminars but it is so easy to understand as he 'teaches' each of his 'laws' with personal and historic examples More...
Jul 26, 2009
treehugger
rated it:
Ugh. I think there were important lessons in this book, but they were obfuscated by Maxwell's "horn tooting" and "back slapping". Wow, this man LOVES himself, and he thinks he has the most impressive history of EVER.
I DID love his descriptions of Harriet Tubman as a female leader, and even Mother Teresa. Shortly after these examples though, he lost me. I had to quit reading when he talked (AT LENGTH) about how his wife leads in the home. She EXCELS at making More...
I DID love his descriptions of Harriet Tubman as a female leader, and even Mother Teresa. Shortly after these examples though, he lost me. I had to quit reading when he talked (AT LENGTH) about how his wife leads in the home. She EXCELS at making More...
Jul 17, 2010
John
rated it:
My boss made me read this. I didn't enjoy it. That said, there are some points in there, though when writing my notes I had to rephrase them to be less "profound aphorism" (hint, they weren't profound) into practical, workable pointers.
The chapters on a group's leader's leadership capabilities putting a "lid" on the group output, the importance of group momentum and how to develop/steer it, and on people following leaders then vision (not the other way around) wer
The chapters on a group's leader's leadership capabilities putting a "lid" on the group output, the importance of group momentum and how to develop/steer it, and on people following leaders then vision (not the other way around) wer
Sep 10, 2011
Javatis
rated it:
I think everyone should read this book. This book gives great insight on what it takes to be a “real” leader. One of my favorite quotes from the book came from Norman Vincent Peale; he states, “Nothing is more confusing than people who give good advice but set a bad example.” All I can say is WOW. To add to this quote, John Maxwell stated, “Nothing is more convincing than people who give good advice and set a good example". The first thing we have to do if we want to lead others is walk the
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Nov 13, 2010
Mish
rated it:
An outstanding insight into how to lead authentically and passionately. This book both consolidated my understanding of leadership skills and qualities and challenged some of my current practices.
"The bottom line in leadership isn't how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance other" (p 51)
"Inexperienced leaders are quick to lead before knowing anything about the people they intend to lead. But mature leaders listen, learn, and then lead." (p55)
"The bottom line in leadership isn't how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance other" (p 51)
"Inexperienced leaders are quick to lead before knowing anything about the people they intend to lead. But mature leaders listen, learn, and then lead." (p55)
Jul 09, 2008
Nick
rated it:
Many people that follow John Maxwell's writings have this perception that these supposed "laws" and "rules" are the end all, be all for Leadership or that you have to line up with a certain number of them or you are an unsuccessful leader. In my opinion, there is only one rule to leadership, and that is don't ever ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself. If you cannot do it, it is understandable that someone else has to do the work but you need to understa
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Mar 12, 2009
Adam
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This book takes a different angle than most leadership books. Instead of telling you want you need to do to be successful, John C Maxwell tells stories of where known leaders such as Henry Ford screwed up. In theses specific stories the author tells about the law that was violated, and how much more successful they would have been if they knew these laws like the back of their hand.
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Jul 23, 2011
Al
rated it:
I'll never forget being in the studio audience when John Maxwell did the video for the "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" back in Texas in 1998. It was great to sit under his teaching for several days and then to read his book. I think I bought all my friends and family this book for Christmas that year. This is a classic book on leadership that all of us can learn from!
Jan 22, 2012
Shaun
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I found this book an excellent read on leadership and how to become a better person too. I will try to follow and implement in my personal life as many of these 21 laws as I can. This was my first book by John C. Maxwell and I plan to read others. It was enjoyable and I learned much I can do to become a good leader and improve as a person.
Jan 16, 2012
Yvette
rated it:
This book was fine. It provides a lot of common sense ideas that warrant repeating. Although Maxwell provides many great examples to illustrate his 21 laws, he uses way too many sports examples. If you're not a sports fan (and I'm not), all of the sports illustrations are completely irrelevant. I couldn't care less.
Jun 08, 2010
This bbook is a vade mecum for all students who want to be a better leader in their respective fields. It's one of the books that after reading, you would be challenged for a better life. You can never remain the same after this life lifting book. I sincerely recommend this book to you. Try me only this once.
Jan 17, 2009
David
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"People need to know that you care before they will care about what you know" This quote from Maxwell is printed on my wall at work, I love this concept, along with all the other bits of insight to effective leadership John has. I love the case studies and practical tone this book has. Highly recommended!
Aug 18, 2011
Stephanie
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One of the best books I have read about leadership. In this book, John Maxwell outlines the skill set that the top leaders demonstrate and gives us the tools to assist us in demonstrating these same skills. Additionally, he talks about the WHY behind the skills and perception of these skills to others.
Jun 24, 2009
Shanti
rated it:
Love. Love. Love. It's hard not to sit down and read this book all the way through. This book is best when it is accompanied by reflection and application. If you are a leader, you must read this book. Whether you like it or not, it'll be good for your development. That's the law of process, right, John?
Jun 23, 2011
James
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I didn't know that there were just 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, but John Maxwell does a great job putting these 21 into a nice and tidy little package.
Everything from employees to relationships the read was quick, direct and hit points you have to go back and try yourself.
Everything from employees to relationships the read was quick, direct and hit points you have to go back and try yourself.
May 25, 2009
Lane
rated it:
Demonstrates 21 laws, that when followed, will give positive results. Just as the law of gravity says that something will react to the force of gravity and fall to the ground, unless another force reacts with it, so too, these laws will create a certain result when used properly.
May 13, 2010
Eric
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Recommended through a list of books for leadership. The book had many, many good points, even though written by someone who has worked in the world of religion, the book is about leadership and is well worth your time if you are looking to improve your leadership skills.
