Why I read it? One of my goals for 2020 is to make reading a priority. My wife, Stacy, had read this book a couple of years ago and she recommended it, so I decided it was a great first step.
What is it all about? The general premise of the book is that there are 21 “laws” to leadership that are true no matter what area of society you’re a leader in. Each chapter of the book discusses one of these laws. The format of each chapter is essentially the same. John Maxwell tells a story explaining the law at a high level before diving into a deeper explanation. Each chapter ends with a self-evaluation of your ability to follow that law and how you can work to improve.
What caused me to pause? The stories he tells are of very famous leaders and how they either excelled or struggled with each specific law. It was interesting to read because you quickly realize that we are all human, we make mistakes, and mistakes are okay! Understanding your faults and identifying the areas you struggle with are key, but it is even more important to understand the steps needed to improve in those areas.
How this book will change my habits/influence me? I look at situations and interactions through a different lens after reading this book, because Maxwell’s stories and examples guide the reader to grow. Some of the laws he describes are things I’m already confident about, but there were also concepts that are more challenging for me so I can work to improve on them.
Add this to your reading list if… you feel like you would benefit from improving your leadership skills (hint – you can!). Even if you are already an excellent leader, leaders are constantly learning and growing. Sometimes growth means a change in your ways, so you definitely want to have a learning mindset when reading this book.