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The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Audiobook on 3 CDs [ABRIDGED] [AUDIOBOOK] (Audio CD)
by John C. Maxwell
| Category:
Leaderhship |
| Market price: ¥ 270.00
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¥ 248.00
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MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Claiming leaders are not born, but formed and learned, Maxwell's best known book is a great text on leadership with solid, practical principles. |
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AllReviews |
1 Total 1 pages 10 items |
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Colleen (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
I bought this book originally because I have a project to do for a course that I am taking in Communications in college. I often buy "self help books" such as Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey or Anthony Robbins books. I saw that this book was over two hundred pages so I thought, "great I'm sold." As I first started to read the book I learned that the author John C. Maxwell was minister. I don't plan on starting a church anytime soon so I was a bit skeptical. I was however to quick to judge.
Maxwell takes his thirty years of knowledge and boiled it down into an easy to read book for anyone who wishes to better themselves or their organization through better leadership. He outlines 21 laws of leadership using many known political, sports and professional icons. Although he does not give particular examples of how you can use these "laws" in everyday problems unlike The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Anyone with a little imagination can see how putting these laws into action can better any situation. If you are in a entry level position in a corporation such as myself. It clearly defines the difference between being a manager and being a leader. It also made me realize that the organization that I work for is has poor leadership and that is what causes so much turn over and unpleasantness with in the department.
When heading on in my career I now have better answers to give in an interview. One question that a lot of employers seem to ask is, " Are you a leader or a follower." Well if you say you are a leader then upper management may think that you will be unwilling to comply with tasks you feel insufficient. If you say you are a follower then they may feel that you are unable to come to your own conclusions about a problem and bother them with everything. My answer use to be I am a good leader, but I also know when to follow. My new answer will be, "I am a leader looking to further her education as such through mentoring of a higher level leader." I will then ask, "Do you feel that you are a manager or a leader?"
The book also gives you many illustrated stories about how other highly successful leaders came to be. As well as mistakes where people had a chance for great success but failed because of lack of leadership. Overall I would recommend the book to anyone who wants to further their education in becoming a better leader. As well as creating a better life for yourself and those who follow you. |
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John Bernat (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
Clarity and brevity are key virtues, and John Maxwell's The 21 Laws have both.
When this book was first recommended to me, I "read it because I had to" for my job. I felt a lot of snobbery toward it for a variety of reasons:
1. It was written by a minister, whose specialty is improving the quality of other religious ministries.
2. How could anything credible come from a source like that?
3. His speaking style is folksy and I assumed the same would be true of his writing style. It can get annoying.
4. He seems sexist to me, and that always loses my respect.
5. He fits my own stereotype of an obnoxious Civitan know-it-all; a Babbitty lower midwestern bundle of presumptions about the nature of life and leadership.
It was necessary for me to overcome my own prejudices to give his work fair hearing. If you do the same, you'll be glad.
The most revealing thing he has to say about leadership is that it is not just a path to more money. Given the commitments needed to be an effective leader, you have to choose leadership as a vocation. After you hear Dr. Maxwell describe what is required of leaders, it would be totally reasonable to choose another way to make money.
Leaders have to commit seriously to a broad set of disciplines to be effective. Some of his laws hit me so hard, after a career in health care leadership, that I felt I was waking up from a deep sleep. These stuck to my ribs:
1. Leaders cannot be microwaved; they must be "crock-potted."
2. The Law of Connection means so much; the leader walks slowly through the people.
3. Great leaders never give up, but know when to change course.
4. "The Big Mo" produces huge leaps in tanglible progress, but is a function of the foundation the leader painstakingly lays first.
Unfortunately, John's many other works never achieve the same impact that this book does, and he cannot avoid compulsive "cross selling" in this and all his other books. |
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
I will tell you that I read some of the reviews here and thought that this book was nothing more than kindergarten drivel. Interesting enough to the contrary, Maxwell makes the complex very simple. There are two chapters that have given me direct understanding of a situation that was a mystery to me before. The concept of an appointment to a position of authority only buying you time to build relationships and influence is one that I will never forget for the rest of my career. His examples may be simple, but the reality is that this book is full of real wisdom on the topic of leadership. Maxwell doesn't take you into the spiral of matrices and concentric circles of influence type of jargon; just real life. Read this book and start on the path to honing your leadership skills.
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Larry Hehn (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
Socrates advised, "Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for."
Whether you like him or not, there's no denying that John Maxwell has a handle on leadership principles. This book boils down more than 30 years of Maxwell's life of learned and applied leadership to 21 laws. If you could condense 30 years of a man's life into one book of basic principles that you could learn and apply to your own life, what would it be worth to you?
Although they all combine to form the foundation for leadership, each of the 21 laws stands alone. As you read through each law, take a personal inventory to determine which areas are working for you and which need to be improved.
This book is not particularly good at showing how to apply each law to your own situation, but it does give excellent real-life examples of what happens when these laws are (and aren't) applied. Maxwell likes blowing his own horn to illustrate the laws in some cases, but he also uses many other "big name" examples from the world of business, politics, the military, sports and the church.
Each chapter will enable you to understand a key facet of your leadership ability, assess it for yourself, and begin the next step of filling in the gaps that have held you back from being the leader you could be.
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R. Kirkham (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
The sheer number of reviews for this book tell you it is reading that makes an impact. Many people love Maxwell's work. Almost as many people despise it. Those who love it run the risk of becoming lopsided in ministry. Those who despise it run the risk of ignoring his practical advice to their own peril. Taken for what it is, this book is probably one of the best pragmatic books on organizational management available.
This book is NOT...
spiritual. Granted, good Christian leadership is more than mechanical.
new. Maxwell doesn't create new principles. He rediscovers the tried and true.
balanced. Maxwell focuses his spotlight on pragmatic issues.
the whole tool box. Don't ignore it because it leaves a lot unsaid.
This book IS...
effective. Read it carefully and slowly. It can help you become a better leader.
easy to read. Maxwell might not be the world's deepest theologian, but he is an excellent communicator.
packaged well. You can add workbooks and multimedia to create a great leadership training course.
a wonderful tool. I suggest it be coupled with someone who writes from another perspective... like Eugene Peterson.
Now for some great quotes from the book.
"Leadership ability determines a person's level of effectiveness."
"The true measure of leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less."
"Leadership develops daily, not in a day."
"Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course."
"When the real leader speaks, people listen."
"Trust is the foundation of leadership."
"People naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves."
"Leaders evaluate everything with a leadership bias."
"Who you are is who you attract."
"Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand."
"A leader's potential is determined by those closest to him."
"Only secure leaders give power to others."
"It takes a leader to raise up a leader."
"People buy into the leader, then the vision."
"Leaders find a way for the team to win."
"Momentum is a leader's best friend."
"Leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment."
"A leader must give up to go up."
"When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go."
"To add growth, lead followers - to multiply, lead leaders."
"A leader's lasting value is measured by succession."
Find any of these interesting? Buy the book!
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J. Kitts (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
Most of the laws we live by are unwritten laws are passed down from generation to generation. For example, my parents made an unwritten law in our house that I was not to treat other people with a skin color different than mine any different than I did any other person. I watched by example how my parents reinforced that law in their dealings and friendship with those of another race and subsequently I grew up without any of the prejudices that others on my block or in my school or those of my friends had who couldn't understand my non-prejudice. This "Law of Inclusion" that I learned is being passed down to my children and hopefully they will take up that law and keep it going.
In reading this great book, my mentor John C. Maxwell, has taken the unwritten laws of leadership that make a person a better leader and wrote these down to pass on to the next generation of leaders and make the current crop better. As you read this book you will find certain laws more applicable to your situation than others. I don't feel that in order to be "The Leader" you must score a perfect 10 on each law. These laws are basic principles that leaders need to evaluate their level and see how to raise other levels. It is not a 1,2,3 Step book. Others reviewing this book either has problems with Dr. Maxwell or they are looking for a dumbed-down version of How To Be A Great Leader In 3 Easy Steps Or Less. This book is not for those who don't want to do some introspection of their leadership. It will make you ask questions of yourself and those around you in leadership. Questions that must be answered in order to grow.
For my application I have used this book and video set in leadership training classes that I have taught. I can defiantly say it has been a great resource to equip leaders to a higher level and I would highly recommend this book and anything else you can get on the 21 Laws to use for personal and professional growth as a leader. |
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Gerald Greco (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
Leadership is something that I've always felt one way or another, you possess it or you don't. Reading this book has shown me that a leader is not born; a leader is formed and developed. I now have the confidence that if I do follow these laws of leadership, people will follow me. This was a very enjoyable book to read, it always keep the reader wanted to learn more and the content was easy to follow.
I especially enjoyed how John C. Maxwell shared his own trials and tribulations of learning to become an exceptional leader. Also the references to the outstanding leaders of the past and their accomplishments gave even a deeper understanding of how leaders can succeed and fail. One other key aspect of the book is that in every chapter it has an important quote or statement highlighted in a box to the side of the page. This is a helpful reminder on what the reader should learn from that precise law they are reading about.
The only negative review I have to add is that the book in some manner is directed more toward a middle-aged audience. Being a college student I did not relate to all of his examples of businesses and non-profit corporations need to improve their leaders for a stronger and more productive organization. I do think though that any age group will find this book helpful, even if not all the examples are related to them specifically. I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who is interested in improving themselves and their capability of becoming a leader, no matter if it's in a corporate office or on a social committee in college.
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John Kim (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
Highly recommended: Easy to follow, very clear, strong examples. A quick summary of 10 laws.
1) Law of Influence: The true measure of leadership is influence. Influence, nothing more, nothing less. Managers can maintain direction, but cannot change it. Leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It must be earned. It takes hard work.
2) Law of Progress: Leadership Develops Daily, not in a Day. Leaders are Learners. The goal is to get a little bit better everyday. During the day, you will influence 4 people.
3) Law of Navigation: Leaders must see farther, see more, and see before others do. Past success and failures give experience. Leaders must be positive. You must have faith that you can take all your people all the way. If you cannot do that I your mind, then you cannot do that in real life. The Secret to this Law is preparation.
4) Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the foundation of leadership. You cannot take shortcuts. It is like pocket change. Every good decision, you add. Every bad decision, you take away. People forgive occasional mistakes, but if you lose their trust. It is finished. Leadership is strategy and character, but if you must be without one... it is better to not have strategy
5) Law of Magnetism: Leaders always look for good people. Make a list of the qualities you want in your people. Do you have those skills? You get (not who you want), but who you are. Different people will not attract themselves to you. If you want to attract better people, time to improve yourself.
6) Law of Connection: Leaders touch the Heart before the Hand. People do not care how much you know, until they know that you care. Relate to people as individuals not as a group. It is the leader's job to connect first. The tougher the challenge, the greater the connection. Lead yourself, use your head. To lead others, use your heart.
7) Law of Empowerment: Only secure leaders give powers to others. People can only achieve when the leader empowers others. Great things happen when you give credit to others. Must have belief in people. Not like a boss who is always micromanaging your work.
8) Law of Buy-In: People buy into the Leader, then the Vision. You are the message. Athletes are hired as promoters of products. You cannot separate the leader from the cause. Ghandi. Silicon Valley start ups.
9) Law of Victory: Leaders Find a Way for the Team to Win. What does it take to be a winner? Inability to accept defeat. Not winning is unacceptable. Great leaders are at their best when the pressure is on.
10) Law of Priorities: Leaders understand that activity does not equal accomplishment. A leader is one who climbs the tallest tree, surveys the entire situation, and yells, "Wrong Jungle!" 80/20 Principle
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
The writing was decent and the stories were entertaining but I am not sure there is enough meat in here to satisfy. First, Maxwell assumes anyone with a succesful past is automatically a great leader. He uses their success to justify his Laws when the connection at times is not apparent. I don't think Mother Teresa was concerned about leadership as much as being an example of Christ and Christian living. A topic by the way this man of God did not bother to pursue when the greatest example of leadership in my opinion is Jesus. I do not want to be judgmental but will say I was disappointed that a man who teaches leadership and has been a Pastor of a number of successfull churches, did not provide ANY spirtual guidance for other church leaders and ministers of the Gospel.
(A negative review. MSL remarks.) |
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Chris (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-25 00:00>
John Maxwell's book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership was a very helpful book. Logistically the book was very easy to read and understand. The chapters are not too long or drawn out. Maxwell makes his point and shares an anecdote or two with the reader regarding the idea of chapter. The leadership concepts discussed in this book don't seem all that groundbreaking, but they are so vital to being a good leader and they are explained very clearly throughout this book. He clearly points out and gives names to all the little reasons that you ever liked, respected, or listened to someone, but couldn't quite figure out why.
Maxwell weaves in personal stories that make his point and stories from celebrities like Sonny Bono, Princess Diana, and some of our most famous presidents. So the flow of the book and the voice that Maxwell uses actually follows his own chapter on the law of connection. As your reading the book you feel that Maxwell is actually just sitting there talking to you. He interrupts his own discussion on leadership to tell you a story. It is very casual and you never stop to count the pages until the end of the chapter. You just read right through. The book is not written in a instruction manual fashion, even the most passive follower in the world could read this book and know what kind of leader they would be looking for. |
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1 Total 1 pages 10 items |
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