The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (Old Version)
Maxwell’s guide to becoming an influential and effective leader.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- The Law of the Lid: Leadership Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness
- The Law of Influence: The True Measure of Leadership is Influence
- The Law of Process: Leadership Develops Daily, Not in a Day
- The Law of Navigation: Leaders Control the Direction of the Team
- The Law of E.F. Hutton: When the Real Leader Speaks, People Listen
- The Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the Foundation of Leadership
- The Law of Respect: People Naturally Follow Leaders Stronger Than Themselves
key point 1 of 7
The Law of the Lid: Leadership Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness
The Law of the Lid posits that one’s leadership ability, to a great extent, determines their level of effectiveness. This principle underscores the notion that, in any organizational structure, your capacity to lead is a significant factor contributing to your level of success. A person with high leadership abilities can achieve more, even with fewer resources or opportunities, compared to one with low leadership abilities given similar or even more resources and opportunities…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
The Law of Influence: The True Measure of Leadership is Influence
The Law of Influence asserts that leadership is not determined by position, title, or power, but by one’s ability to influence others. This law revolves around the principle that the true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less. It emphasizes the need for leaders to create strong relationships with their team members to inspire trust and loyalty. Influence is about being able to impact others in a way that motivates them to follow your lead, to share your vision, and to buy into your goals…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
The Law of Process: Leadership Develops Daily, Not in a Day
The Law of Process delineates that leadership is not an instantaneous phenomenon but a continuous development over time. It is a product of constant learning and experience, much like a sculpture that takes shape with repeated chiseling and polishing. The principle stands on the notion that a leader isn’t born overnight but evolves through a journey of self-discovery, learning, and development…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
The Law of Navigation: Leaders Control the Direction of the Team
The Law of Navigation articulates the idea that leaders ought to have a clear vision and a well-charted path for their team. It emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and foreseeing potential obstacles. Leaders need to be able not only to anticipate changes and challenges, but also to make necessary adjustments to the course as necessary in order to ensure the team remains on track to accomplish their objectives…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
The Law of E.F. Hutton: When the Real Leader Speaks, People Listen
The Law of E.F. Hutton, as described in the book, operates on the premise that when the real leader in a group speaks, everyone in the group instinctively listens. This law draws on the influence and respect a true leader wields within a group, which could be due to their expertise, experience or charisma. These individuals have a profound impact on their environment, and their words hold significant weight. When they offer input, their teams are more likely to seriously consider and act upon their advice…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
The Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the Foundation of Leadership
The Law of Solid Ground posits that trust forms the bedrock of leadership. Without this essential element, leaders cannot effectively guide their teams or influence their followers. Trust is not granted automatically or instantly. It is cultivated over time, through consistent behavior and demonstrated competence. A leader who is perceived as trustworthy inspires confidence in their followers, enhancing their willingness to follow and their commitment to the leader’s vision…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
The Law of Respect: People Naturally Follow Leaders Stronger Than Themselves
The Law of Respect posits that individuals naturally tend to follow leaders who they perceive as stronger than themselves. This strength is not necessarily physical but refers to various dimensions such as mental strength, emotional resilience, and intellectual prowess. Leaders who embody these qualities command respect and followership from their team members…Read&Listen More