This document summarizes John C. Maxwell's book "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" which discusses realities of true leadership. Some key points made include that leadership is about influencing people, not just a position. True leadership comes from character, relationships, knowledge and experience. Effective leaders see a clear vision for the future, connect with their people, set a good example in their own actions, have good timing in their decisions, and develop a legacy of success.

1. 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
By
John C. Maxwell
“Leadership is developed daily, not in a day.”
1. Five myths about leadership: (p. 17)
 Leading and managing are one and the same (Leadership is actually about
influencing people to follow; management is focused on maintaining systems and
processes).
 All entrepreneurs are leaders (If they are not good with people, they cannot lead).
 People who possess knowledge and intelligence are natural leaders (Neither IQ
nor education necessarily equates to leadership).
 Those out in front of the crowd are leaders (Being a trendsetter or pioneer does not
make one a leader).
 Leadership is based on position (It’s not the position that makes the leader; it’s the
leader that makes the position—it’s all about influence).
2. Leadership is…(pp. 17-18)
 Character- Who they are
 Relationships- Who they know
 Knowledge- What they know
 Intuition- What they feel
 Experience- Where they have been
 Past Successes- What they have done
 Ability- What they can do
3. Seeing the trip ahead: (p.38) The Law of Navigation
“…Leaders see the whole trip in their minds before they leave the dock. They have vision for
getting to their destination, they understand what it will take to get there, they know who
they’ll need on the team to be successful, and they recognize the obstacles long before they
appear on the horizon.”
4. Connect with people: (pp.117-119) The Law of Connection
 Connect first with yourself
 Communicate with openness
and sincerity
 Know your audience
 Live your message
 Go to where they are
 Focus on them, not yourself
 Believe in them
 Offer direction and hope
Summary by:
Nicole Johnson and Stephanie Dixon
Instructional Leader Application:
How connected are you with your faculty and staff? Is there
a frequent line of communication? Do you believe that they
can accomplish what needs to be done?
Instructional Leader Application:
Can you see where you want your school to be in one year,
three years, or five years? Do you know what needs to be
done to get there? What are the possible setbacks?
I want you to
think about
which myths
you have
bought into.
What are your
thoughts about
leadership?
The author discusses the reality of true
leadership. We can relate to some or all of
these as potential or current leaders.

2. 5. Being an example to your followers: (pp. 160-163) The Law of the Picture
 Followers are always watching what you do
 It is easier to teach what is right than to do what is right
 We should work on changing ourselves before trying to improve others
 The most valuable gift a leader can give is being a good example
 Leaders tell but never teach until they practice what they preach - Featherstone
6. Timing is Everything: (pp. 236-238) The Law of Timing
 The wrong action at the wrong time leads to disaster
 The right action at the wrong time brings resistance
 The wrong action at the right time is a mistake
 The right action at the right time results in success
 Ingredients to improved timing: understanding, maturity, confidence,
Experience, intuition, and preparation
7. Develop your leadership legacy: (pp. 259-261) The Law of Legacy
 Know the legacy you want to leave
 Live the legacy you want to leave
 Choose who will carry on your legacy
 Make sure you pass the baton
Online Resources Available
for Further Exploration
On Slideshare:
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of
Leadership- jperillo
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of
Leadership- Omar Caceres
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of
Leadership John C Maxell –
Graduatestudies Ub
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of
Leadership- Sompong
Yusoontorn
Great handout: http://www.u-
leadership.com/the_21_irrefuta
ble_laws_of_leadership-w.pdf
John Maxwell on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=HuP8tpLotvc
Instructional Leader Application:
Do your student body, faculty, and staff see the qualities and
characteristics in you that are expected of them?
Instructional Leader Application:
How can you improve timing when it comes to making
decisions as a school leader? Are you willing to admit when
you are pushing the right action at the wrong time?
Instructional Leader Application:
How will you develop a school that has a legacy of success?
What do you want your legacy to be as a school leader?
Tips for Success:
1. Assess your leadership ability. See the evaluation tool provided.
2. Develop a personal plan for growth.
3. Develop the habit of reflective thinking- learn from mistakes
4. Improve your communication skills.
5. Know your weaknesses and develop a plan to improve them.