The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow

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.


A Book To Share with Your Entire Team...   October 12, 1999
Scott B. Heintzeman (Soilid Rock Professional Development)
29 out of 30 found this review helpful

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.


Spot on!   April 4, 2004
Richard M. Burke (Calabasas, CA United States)
27 out of 28 found this review helpful

This is one of the best books on leadership I have read. It gives specific examples and motivational thoughts as to what it takes to live the life of a leader.

The book is an easy read and can be used as part of a 21 day/week/month program to apply the morsals and maxims of leadership Maxwell provides.

Now that my copy is all marked up, I can't wait to share it with my employees!


Highly Motivational!   February 7, 2004
Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr. (Edinboro, Pennsylvania)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

Leadership is a process that takes time. It does not occur overnight. Leaders are continually growing themselves. In the preface, Maxwell encourages us to use this book as a resource for character reinforcement. He reminds us, "How a leader deals with the circumstances of life tells you many things about his character."

There are so many insights in this book, it is challenging to pick a few to illustrate its value, but consider this one on using both hemispheres of the brain. He writes, "Discernment can be described as the ability to find the root of the matter, and it relies on intuition as well as rational thought."

He encourages us to read biographies and cultivate the gift of intuition through use. He quotes Peter Drucker who told us to build on the strengths we have rather than concentrate on the weaknesses. On energy and intensity, he writes, "...your passion will have more influence than your personality."

This is an excellent book by an outstanding Christian motivational leader. It builds on his other valuable contributions. John Maxwell is indeed, making his part of the world, a little bit better by his life.


So you want to be a Leader?   December 7, 1999
Michael Green (Antioch Califonia)
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

This book works well in tandum with his 21 irrefutable laws of leadership. Great for anyone wanting to improve their skills as a leader, or work to discover what skills a truly fantastic leader has. A must read for anyone in a leadership position.