As a leader, you're always on the lookout for books that can help you grow and achieve your goals. And when it comes to leadership, few authors come close to John Maxwell, who has impressed millions of readers with his refreshing insights.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the best John Maxwell books that can inspire and guide you on your leadership journey. Whether you're an experienced leader or just starting, these books are packed with practical tips and strategies that can help you become a better leader.
From mastering your attitude to building strong teams and creating a positive work culture, John Maxwell's books cover all aspects of leadership. So, if you're looking for proven strategies and real-world advice on how to become a better leader, read on!
Keep reading to learn about the top John Maxwell books that should be on every leader's bookshelf.
How I choose
I examine the book's reviews from a critical and reader's perspective, exploring what makes it unique and worth recommending. Additionally, I look into any awards or recognition the book may have received to better understand its literary value.
By comparing several titles from each genre, I am able to create a list of recommendations that is well-informed and trustworthy, while also sharing my personal perspective as a reader.
About John Maxwell
John C. Maxwell is a best-selling American author and leadership expert known for his books on leadership and personal growth. Maxwell's teachings have helped countless individuals and organizations develop practical leadership skills and become successful leaders. Through his books, he shares principles of leadership that can be applied in everyday life, personal lives, and professional settings. Maxwell is a person of influence and an indispensable source of guidance for those seeking long-term success and satisfying life.
6 Life-Changing Books
We will be discussing seven of his best books that have the potential to change your life. Whether you are a business leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking to improve your personal growth, these books are indispensable sources of guidance that will help you achieve long-term success and satisfaction in every aspect of your life. So, without further ado, let us dive into the world of John Maxwell's best books.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
"21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell is a practical guide to 21 essential traits of successful leaders. With real-world examples, learn how to apply these laws to any situation and develop your own leadership skills.
Why do I love it?
One of the main reasons I found the book to be so impactful is because Maxwell makes it clear that leadership is not just for executives, managers, or CEOs. Rather, it is about influence, and anyone, regardless of their job title, can be a leader and have an impact on those around them.
This is a powerful concept that has helped me to understand the importance of my everyday interactions with others. Another important lesson I learned from the book is that leadership is a never-ending journey, not a destination. Maxwell's emphasis on continuous self-improvement and constant learning sets a high standard for anyone who aspires to be an effective leader.
Key Takeaways
One of the most important laws of leadership that the book highlights is the Law of the Lid. Basically, this means that your ability to lead determines how effective you are as a person, in both your personal and professional life. And the good news is that leadership skills can be developed and improved with practice.
Another important thing that the book emphasizes is the power of teamwork. No one is good at everything, so it's important to be around people who have different skills and perspectives. Plus, it's important to have a positive attitude and create a positive environment for the people around you. People are naturally drawn to leaders who are positive and inspiring.
But being a good leader also means having a clear plan for what you want to achieve. You need to have a mission for your organization and a solid plan to execute that mission. Being able to adapt to changes and make good decisions is also essential.
In short, the book teaches that being a good leader requires continuous learning, teamwork, positivity, and a clear plan. Anyone can become a great leader with the right mindset and effort!
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
"The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" by John Maxwell is a practical and inspiring guide to personal development, offering actionable strategies and insights to help you unlock your potential and become the best version of yourself. It's the perfect read for anyone looking to take their personal growth to the next level.
Why do I love it?
This book has helped me to understand that growth doesn't just happen, it's intentional. It has also taught me that knowing yourself and your purpose is key to achieving growth and that we must learn to see ourselves in a healthy and positive way.
Maxwell's down-to-earth writing style and relatable examples make this book an enjoyable read that is easy to understand and apply to one's life. Anyone who is seeking guidance on personal growth and development will benefit from reading this book.
Key Takeaways
One key takeaway from the book is that growth doesn't just happen on its own. You need to have a plan and be intentional about your growth. Setting goals and having a clear plan in place can help you make progress toward achieving your goals.
Another important point is that knowing yourself is crucial for personal growth. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you identify areas where you need to improve and work on developing those areas.
In addition, consistency is key when it comes to achieving success. Small daily actions can lead to significant results over time, so it's important to keep at it even when progress feels slow.
Finally, the people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your growth. It's essential to surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can encourage and inspire you along the way.
The 5 Levels of Leadership
In this book, he helps readers identify the five levels of leadership and how one can progress from being just a positional leader to becoming a truly transformational leader.
Throughout the book, Maxwell uses personal experiences, examples, and principles of leadership to provide an eye-opening perspective on how anyone can become a leader, regardless of their position or background.
Why do I love it?
The book is written in a conversational and easy-to-understand style that makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or level of leadership experience. Secondly, the book is packed with practical and actionable advice on how to become a more effective and successful leader.
The biggest thing I learned from this book is that I can't treat everyone the same and expect to get the same results. No two people are on the same level, so the key is to build a relationship with each individual from the beginning.
As I climbed the levels, I also realized it takes time and commitment to win each one, but the rewards are incredible once you get there.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that it's easier to go down the levels than to climb up, so we need to be careful. I also appreciated that the book emphasized the importance of being adaptable when we change positions or switch organizations. But most importantly, the book reminded me that leadership isn't a one-person show; it's a team effort. I can't climb the levels alone, but with the right team by my side, nothing is impossible!
Key Takeaways
This book breaks down leadership into five different levels, with each level building upon the previous one. The first level is "Position," where people follow you simply because of your job title or position. The second level is "Permission," where people follow you because they believe in you and your vision.
The third level is "Production," where people follow you because of the results you achieve. The fourth level is "People Development," where you focus on developing other leaders and the fifth level is "Pinnacle," where you become a respected leader who has a significant impact on others.
Developing the Leader Within You 2.0
"Developing the Leader Within You 2.0" is a practical guide to help readers become effective leaders. In this updated version of his book, John Maxwell shares strategies and insights to help you develop the skills needed to motivate, inspire, and build strong relationships with others to achieve your goals.
Maxwell draws on his wealth of experience as a leader to provide practical tips on decision-making, communication, and developing a personal brand, among other things. The book also includes new material on important leadership topics such as navigating change and dealing with challenging people.
Why do I love it?
As a content writer, I particularly love this book because it's easy to understand, and the principles outlined are practical and applicable in everyday life.
The book emphasizes the importance of having a positive attitude, effective communication skills, and building strong relationships that result in personal and professional success.
Maxwell also stresses that to become an effective leader, one needs to have a clear vision, define their priorities, and develop a plan of action. I particularly love the section on developing a personal growth plan, where the author encourages readers to be intentional about their learning, set goals for themselves, and seek mentorship and guidance from experts in their fields.
Key Takeaways
The 2.0 edition stands out due to the addition of two new chapters that offer updated perspectives on leadership principles. Maxwell also shares the leadership insights and practices he has learned over the years, providing you with all the knowledge you need to take your leadership skills to the next level.
The book's primary focus is on three essential themes: Influence, Character, and Service. You'll learn how to use the 5 Levels of Leadership as a roadmap to influence others, embrace good ethics, practice self-leadership, value people, and adopt a service-oriented mindset.
Leadershift
In this book, Maxwell inspires readers to shift their mindset and approach to leadership to adapt to the changing world around us. Through relatable examples and practical advice, Leadershift teaches readers how to become effective leaders who positively impact their personal lives, relationships, and careers.
Why do I Love it?
What sets this book apart is the way Maxwell explains that a lasting and meaningful leadership shift isn't just about changing what leaders do, but about who they are. One of my favorite chapters in Leadershift is "The Law of Intentionality."
Here, Maxwell emphasizes the importance of taking intentional actions to become a better version of oneself. He offers a practical and actionable roadmap toward personal growth and continuous improvement.
I also appreciate how Maxwell provides real-life examples from his own experiences as a leader to support his principles in the book.
Key Takeaways
the importance of being adaptable and flexible in leadership was really emphasized throughout the book, with Maxwell sharing his own experiences of the need to shift his approach to accommodate new situations. As a leader, it's important to be willing to learn and grow and to be open to changing direction if necessary.
Another key takeaway for me was the concept of "leadershifts", which are essentially the changes in mindset and approach that leaders need to make in order to stay ahead of the game. Maxwell outlines eleven shifts in particular that are crucial for success, such as the shift from focusing on maintaining to focusing on innovating. These shifts offer a valuable roadmap for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and I found them to be really helpful.
The Maxwell Daily Reader
A daily devotional journal. Each page features a concise yet profound reading focused on a leadership principle or anecdote from successful leaders, paired with a reflective prompt or action step.
Why do I love it?
What I love about The Maxwell Daily Reader is that each entry contains an excerpt from one of Maxwell's books that are guaranteed to encourage and inspire me, teach me how to lead, challenge me to be better, and prompt me to grow. These messages are not just helpful to leaders, but relevant to everyone who is looking to improve their lives and relationships with others.
One of the things that I appreciate the most about this book is that it has taught me the importance of investing in myself every day. Whether it’s by adding new skills, knowledge, or inspiration- it's vital to prioritize yourself. The secret to success can be found in your daily agenda- this book has truly transformed my daily routine.
Key Takeaways
Every single day, allow yourself to be moved by the wisdom that drips from Maxwell's pages. From leaders to everyday people, these reads are perfect for anyone who wants to take their success to the next level.
Personally, I've been blown away by the impact of these books. They've taught me that true growth comes from continuously focusing on myself and striving to be better. Whether you're looking to learn new skills, get inspiration for your goals, or just motivate yourself to get moving, Maxwell's books will bring the boost you need.
The right book for you!
John C. Maxwell is truly a leader and an expert in the field of personal growth and leadership skills. His books are an indispensable source of guidance for anyone seeking to become a more effective leader or simply living a more satisfying life.
Whether you are a middle manager wanting to improve your communication skills, a spiritual person looking for spiritual growth, or a professional seeking long-term success, there is a John Maxwell book for you. So why not take the next step and pick one up today? Start learning from one of the best-selling leadership authors and see how you, too, can become a person of influence!
Happy Reading!