Volatility. Complexity. Brutal competition. Hyper-connectedness. Twenty-first century owners and executives have to lead at the speed of change - making decisions even as the ground shifts under their feet. In such a landscape, are "irrefutable" laws of leadership relevant? John C. Maxwell argues that the "principles of leadership are constant." The world changes; effective leadership does not. Not only are Maxwell's 21 laws applicable for today's leaders; they're essential.
Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, said of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, "Rather than an esoteric examination of leadership, this book is more like a foundational instruction manual." Maxwell's approachable style is complemented by illustrative examples and practical steps that leaders can take to improve. Today. Now. It's not theory; it's an action plan. Following are Maxwell's first seven laws. How are they relevant and applicable to your leadership?
There is a lid, or cap, on your effectiveness as a leader. If you have a low ability to lead, then you have a low lid on your potential. If you have a high ability to lead, then you have a high lid on your potential.
Say that your ability to lead is a 4 (on a scale of 1 to 10); your level of effectiveness will not be higher than a 3. If you lead at a 9, then your effectiveness can be no higher than 8. Maxwell writes, "Your leadership ability - for better or worse - always determines your effectiveness and the potential impact of your of your organization."
In other words, you can enjoy success but if you have a low leadership lid, you're not going to achieve the results that you want - or your organization needs.
Maxwell points to Steve Wozniak as an example. There is no doubt that Wozniak is a genius; many credit him as the brains of Apple. But Steve Jobs was the face. Wozniak had a low leadership ability; it was the mesmerizing Jobs who transformed Wozniak's brilliant ideas and innovations into a global juggernaut.
Raising the LidSo you've got a lid; does that mean you can't grow beyond that? Not at all. According to Maxwell, "By raising your leadership ability, you can increase your effectiveness by 600 percent. Leadership has a multiplying effect."
To begin to raise your leadership lid:
Leadership is earned. You don't get it from being a manager, an entrepreneur, or a pioneer. You don't get it by being the most knowledgeable or by having a title of power. You get it through influence. The late Princess Diana, for example, had a title, and she worked to increase her influence. The "People's Princess" patronized over 100 charities and worked tirelessly on behalf of AIDS organizations. After her divorce, she lost her title - but she never lost her influence or the respect of the people.
Building Your InfluenceIt is possible to increase your influence. Maxwell outlines the following steps:
Rome wasn't built in a day - nor is a leader made in one. "What matters most is what you do day-by-day over the long haul." Successful leaders are those who commit to lifelong learning and development. It's about getting a bit better each day.
Elite athletes prove the Law of Process. As Maxwell writes, "Champions don't become champions in the ring - they are merely recognized there... If you want to see where someone develops into a champion, look at his daily routine."
Learning to LeadApproach leadership as a continual journey and commit to learning:
The key to effective navigation is preparation. Before leaders take their people on a journey, they have to ensure they provide the best chance of success. To do this, they draw on past experiences, fully examine the conditions before making commitments, listen to others, and develop conclusions based on "faith and fact."
Navigating Towards Better ResultsMaxwell developed an acronym (PLANAHEAD) that can help you become a better navigator:
Leadership isn't about how far we can advance ourselves, but how far we can help advance others and our organizations. According to Maxwell, 90% who add value to others do so intentionally. To be effective, we must make a conscious effort to make things better for other people.
Costco CEO Jim Sinegal, for example, believes that treating his people well - helping them advance in their careers and lives - is the secret to his company's success. Employees' pay is 42% higher than retail rivals, and Sinegal's compensation is well below market. The result: the lowest rate of turnover in retailing.
Adding ValueFollow these guidelines to become an "adder":
Just as there is no leadership without influence, there is no influence without trust. Leaders earn trust when they display competence, connection, and character. Stakeholders will forgive an occasional mistake or misstep; they won't tolerate lapses in character, which is inextricably linked with trust.
Leading on Solid GroundEnsure that your character communicates:
Walk into a room with a group of new people: automatically, and instinctively, leaders will assert themselves. After a time, the strongest leader emerges, and people gravitate towards him or her. While chains of command can put a weaker leader "above" a stronger leader, people naturally follow the more capable.
Developing Your Leadership MusclesTo emerge as the strongest leader in any room:
The principles of leadership may not change, but what makes Maxwell's Laws so compelling is that you can. Not only can you become a better leader, but if you practice and apply these rules, you will become a better leader.
Continue on to part 2 of this article series for laws 8 - 15.