The date of August 26th has significant meaning for my family and I.  Because it was on this day, 10 years ago that I began my career with Injoy Stewardship Services, now called Injoy Stewardship Solutions.  Like many people, I went to work at Injoy because I wanted to work for the man who was my spiritual hero, Dr. John C. Maxwell.

Many times when you meet your hero, there is always a chance that he/she may not live up to your expectations.  Well, after now knowing John for 10 years, I want to tell you what he means to me.  John Maxwell is the real deal.  He is exactly what you see on stage and read in his books.  If anything, he is better than advertised.  John Maxwell remains and is firmly cemented as one of my spiritual heroes.

In part 1 of a two-part series, I want to share with you the Top 10 Leadership Lessons I Learned From John Maxwell during my first 10 years at Injoy.

  • God Abundantly Blesses A Generous Life – I was once asked what I learned most from working for John.  The person asking the question expected me to say something about leadership, public speaking, or writing.  I said, “The thing I’ve learned most from John is how much God blesses a generous life.  John Maxwell is the most generous person I have ever met.”  Why does John have so much influence?  Why does he sell so many books?  Why is he in such demand?  I feel, more than anything, it is because God has truly blessed his generous lifestyle.  If you truly believe you can’t outgive God, then if a person lived that way, compounded over six decades, what would it look like?  I think it would look like John Maxwell.
  • The Value Of People – John taught me that the only appreciable asset in any church or business is its people. 
  • Prioritize Adding Value To People – I have been in multiple environments with John and well-known Christian leaders.  After the initial introductions and laughter (because John seemed to be best friends with everyone we met), he would always ask the same question, “What can I do to help you?”  John always uses his enormous gifts and talents to serve other leaders.  Whenever I speak with a church leader, though I lack his talent and giftedness, I follow John’s example and  prioritize serving that leader with excellence.  John Maxwell taught me this mindset.
  • Thinking Skills – John’s most famous book is the incomparable 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership.  My second favorite book of his is Thinking For A Change.  The book’s premise is that the difference between successful and unsuccessful people is how they think.  In this book, John gives us eight skills that will make you a better thinker.  The chapter on Shared Thinking changed the way I seek solutions to the issues leaders face.
  • Do You Produce? – In the Christian world, many people can talk a good game.  I mean, we are professional communicators aren’t we?  The question is not whether we can talk a good game.  The question I have for people who I am responsible for evaluating is simply this, do you produce?  I learned this from John and it has served me very well in setting expectations and avoiding ambiguity.

Check back tomorrow for the final five of The Top 10 Lessons I Learned From John Maxwell. 

Pastors and leaders, what has John taught you?

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