Lessons from John Maxwell

By Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo

This was from an interview of leadership guru John Maxwell by Ed Mylett in Ed’s TV show.  John Maxwell is one of my favorite book writers and inspirational speakers. I started my self-help research reading his books.  Here are his lessons on different topics from this interview.

Leadership

When asked what is leadership in simple terms, John replied, “Leadership is simply influence.  Many would say they are not just made to be a leader (and these people think leaders are born not made) but leadership is simply influence.”  John would ask anyone if they have an influence on even just a few people, they would say sure, and they would start with their family and then with some friends.  And John would reply, “Then you are a leader.”  Many would say that a leader should have a title but leadership is not a title or a position.  A position might give you an opportunity to practice leadership, but unless you have good influence, then you are not a leader.  To increase your influence, you need to add value to people which means to serve them and to make them someone they have not thought to be.  Once you have served them and helped them then your influence will grow and your leadership will grow as well.

Success

To be very successful, you need to stand out and be at the top 5% of your field or profession.  This was illustrated when John as a varsity basketball player in college was told to guard much taller players than him and his team would always end up losing.  He was not in his right position guarding a six-foot eight player when he’s just six-foot two.  The lesson is that whatever might be your talent or your commitment if you are not in the correct position in your profession which means you are not putting your talent into full use, or you are not in your sweet spot, you will never be in the top 5%.  Stop wasting time working on your weaknesses.  Your weakness can be done by somebody else in the workplace.  Focus on your strengths and become the top 5% in your job and you will be assured of tremendous success.

When asked for a 3-minute pep talk or an elevator pitch from someone asking “How do I become more successful and happier in life?” he replied, “Grow in your relationship with God.  This comes from a Scripture verse that touches me is that ‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.’ (2 Cor 5:17)” John meant that if you grow in your relationship with God, you might not be guaranteed success in the world but you are assured of happiness in this world and in the next.  The key is to be faithful and not necessarily successful as St. Mother Teresa would say, “God placed me here on earth to be faithful and not to be successful.” It’s our relationship with God that matters.

And for those who are not a man of faith or don’t practice any religion, John tells them to be intentional.  “Intentional because most people don’t lead their life, they just accept their life.  And when you accept your life, you are living on things that are not worthy of your time, effort and energy.  And everything that is worthwhile and intentional is uphill (which means you have to climb to get it or work hard to acquire it).  You don’t read a book on accidental achievements.  All achievements have been planned.  So, find your strengths and make it grow.  It’s going to be all uphill even if you already made lots of money and acquired honor and prestige.  No one should say, I got it made and then relax and rest.  No one can rest and relax in life because problems will always come.  Problems will always be there, because we are meant to grow with them.  But don’t stop at intentions.  ‘Good intentions’ is an over rated phrase.  It should be followed up with actions.  Without actions it will just be all talk.”  Smart talk, isn’t it?  Hats off once again to one of my self-help and leadership idols: John Maxwell.