Developing the Leader Within You
Second Edition, 2000
Maxwell Motivation, Inc., A Georgia Corporation
Thomas Nelson Publishers
Nashville, TN
www.thomasnelsonpublishers.com
ISBN-10: 0785266666
ISBN-13: 978-0785266662
208 pages, hardcover $16.49

Reading management books has never been something that I participated in willingly. I prefer reading the best sellers by well-known fiction writers. The top management team in my organization was asked to read John Maxwell’s book, Developing the Leader Within You. I was not thrilled. I asked other team members if they read it and most had, so I needed to get this accomplished. I chose to read it on a business trip so that I could carry the book around and look impressive, and at the same time have no excuse not to read it. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it and could not wait to finish!
   
Maxwell uses personal stories and many examples to reinforce his teachings. I have sent many of these examples to my team, friends, and family to read and enjoy. They are that inspiring! Maxwell teaches us the difference between a leader and a manager. His definition of leadership is simple – he defines it as influence. Maxwell describes the five levels of leadership to assist you in understanding how to influence others. He goes on to define the difference between a leader and a follower. He reminds you that it is not how hard you work; it is how smart you work.

The most important ingredient of leadership is integrity. It is not a given in everyone’s life. You must be self-disciplined, have inner trust, and be relentlessly honest. Maxwell gives a great example of this in a short poem by Hester Chomondelay. It reads:
    Still as of old
    Men by themselves are priced—
    For thirty pieces Judas sold
    Himself, not Christ.

The ultimate test of leadership is creating positive change. Maxwell gives readers a great understanding of how good leaders accomplish this task along with developing their biggest asset, which is people. Remember, if no one is following, you are not leading!

Maxwell also thinks that every great leader has vision. He describes 10 types of people who will hinder you in your vision in the organization. My favorite is the tradition lovers. It is the person who says: “We have always done it that way.” Maxwell provides a funny story to exemplify this point.

No matter where you are in your career as a manager, you can benefit and enjoy reading John Maxwell’s book. You will find yourself laughing out loud at some of the stories. You might even catch me reading his next book!

Nancy Vanek, MS, RN, CNN
Regional Vice President
Fresenius Medical Care
Administrative SIG Member
Member, ANNA’s Windy City Chapter