The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

By Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo

This is one of the best-selling books of John Maxwell on leadership, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership:  Follow Them and People Will Follow You”.  Whether you are a beginner in leading others or have been a leader for some time, this book is a must read.

John says, “A title of a “department head” or a “manager” can give you influence with the people under you.  But if you fail to show skills as a leader by not following the laws of leadership, you will lose that influence.  People under you will hesitate obeying your instructions, or delay doing what you ask them to do.  But if you learn and honor the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, you’ll become a more effective leader.”

The 21 laws are summarized into 3.  If you want more details of the other eighteen, just get hold of the book or buy it (guaranteed to worth every peso you pay).

The Law of Addition

When a leader thinks that his people should serve him, the leader feels superior, which breeds impatience and contempt and diminishes the team’s desire to support their leader. To be a great leader, flip the organization chart upside down so the people on your team sit above you. From this perspective, think, “What can I do to serve and add value to their lives?”

To serve the people under you remember the acronym PROMISE as your guide: (P)rovide honest and actionable feedback that helps your team members improve their skills and performance. (R)emove obstacles and preempt problems that could slow your team down. (O)wn the problems on your team so your team doesn’t have to carry the burden.  (M)ake time to meet with everyone and actively listen to their ideas, concerns, and issues.  (I)nfluence upper management to give your team the resources they need.  (S)potlight the efforts and contributions of each team member.  (E)ncourage your team to make decisions and take on more responsibility.

The Law of Buy‐in

People will only buy in or obey your call to action if they buy in to you. Maxwell says, “People don’t at first follow worthy causes. They follow worthy leaders who promote causes they can believe in.”

But how can people know if you are someone worth buying into? John says live “The Law of the Picture” and be a good example. Take Gandhi’s famous words to heart: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If you want subordinates or others to change their attitude or behavior, be an example of changing yourself first in that particular attitude or behavior.  If you want a loved one to change their diet, change yours first. If you want a friend to exercise more, raise your exercise routine to the next level.

Name three to five tasks or habit you wish your team members should change for the better and then grade your performance for each particular task or habit (or ask someone else to grade you on them). If you score low in any area, change yourself in that area before urging others to change. If you score high in an area, you need to be more intentional about displaying the changes you’ve made. The most valuable thing you can do as a leader is to be a good example.

The Law of Priorities

Your team needs to truly understand their priority or what needs to be done first. Give your team that clarity and they will reward you with incredible execution. To identify your team’s priorities, ask three questions around the 3Rs: (1.) What is required of us? (Who is depending on us?) (2.) What gives the greatest return? (How can we better utilize our strengths and multiply output?) (3.) What will bring the greatest reward? (What will provide the most satisfaction and sustain our drive to continue working hard?)

Find the work that fits these three Rs and make it top of mind. Then, as a leader, stay true to your priorities by obeying “The Law of Sacrifice.” Create two lists:  List #1 – What daily or weekly tasks am I willing to give up? This includes busy work that could be easily delegated or eliminated or tasks that you’re great at but could easily train someone to do 80% as well.

List #2 – What things will I not sacrifice? This may include your morning workout or time with your family on the weekend. Having clear boundaries ensures you stay mentally sharp and committed as a leader.