"John seems to have one outline that he simply fills in different illustrations. He can only ride this horse so long. It is time for him to update his material. This book does not accomplish that. Sorry, I like him on the platform, but his writings are getting stale."
Too little substance
Sandra D. Peters | 12/13/1999
(1 out of 5 stars)
"While the author seems well-intentioned, the book is very superficial. It seems to be recycled bromides and platitudes, connected by anecdotes and quotes, and punctuated by occasional exaggeration (like "everything rises and falls on leadership" - everything?). There are hundreds of leadership books with more meat."
MAXWELL HAS A WINNING COMBINATION!
Sandra D. Peters | Prince Edward Island, Canada | 06/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of all the books available on leadership, I have found this to be one of the best, and leadership is part of what I teach through my business management courses. This is by no means one of the lengthiest books or most in-depth books, but it says more in 157 pages than others say in 400 pages. The easy-flowing writing style creates an enjoyable reading experience which does not take an extensive amount of thought or time to comprehend. The end result is an accomplished, basic book served in a professional style.The author uses these twenty-one qualities for the basis of successful leadership: character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, attitude, problem-solving, relationship, responsibility, security, self-discipline, servanthood, teachability and vision. What a sensational, winning combination! Each of these twenty-one components is discussed separately. While all of these elements are critical for strong leadership, if I had to narrow the scope down to five areas of particular benefit, it would be the ones on character, competence, listening, generosity and self-discipline. I particularly liked Maxwell's straight-forward approach and positive attitude exhibited throughout the book. One other book that rated at the top of my list, and one I would also highly recommend, is a favourite, all-time classic, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie."
Leadership simplified
Larry Hehn | Toronto, ON Canada | 09/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Written to complement The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, this book will help you identify and develop the personal qualities you need to become a more effective leader.
Maxwell does an excellent job of getting to the heart of each quality in a few short pages. He starts with two relevant quotations to start you thinking. He then gives you a short real-life example of that particular quality in action.
He breaks each principle down into specific applications, gives you a brief period where you can assess your own effectiveness, offers you concrete ways to improve yourself, and wraps each chapter up with a profound thought that will stay with you long after you have closed the cover.
What you get out of this book depends on how you read it. This is a very simple read, and you may be tempted to race through it and miss some key points. Maxwell rightly suggests that you walk through each quality methodically, giving it the attention that it warrants based on your current level of competence.
While the material warrants five stars, some spelling mistakes and the author's use of his own quotes dropped it down a notch for me. Otherwise, an excellent handbook for improving your personal leadership qualities.
Larry Hehn, Author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory"
A Book To Share with Your Entire Team...
Scott B. Heintzeman | Soilid Rock Professional Development | 10/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The temptation will be to read this cover to cover in onesitting... But this is a book you need to read "one chapter perday" for 21 days... Great illustrations of what real leadersreally do. Also includes excellent suggestions for ways to internalize these 21 attributes. I had to buy a copy for each of my Team... This is John Maxwell's best thinking on the tangible qualities of effective leadership."