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The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership, Workbook
What would happen if a top expert with more than thirty years of leadership experience were willing to distill everything he had learned about leadership into a handful of life-changing principles just for you? It would change your life.
John C. Maxwell has done exactly that in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. He has combined insights learned from his thirty-plus years of leadership successes and mistakes with observations from the worlds of business, politics, sports, religion, and military conflict. The result is a revealing study of leadership delivered as only a communicator like Maxwell can.
John C. Maxwell has done exactly that in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. He has combined insights learned from his thirty-plus years of leadership successes and mistakes with observations from the worlds of business, politics, sports, religion, and military conflict. The result is a revealing study of leadership delivered as only a communicator like Maxwell can.
240 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2002
581 people are currently reading
2003 people want to read
About the author
John C. Maxwell
998 books5,835 followersJohn Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Some of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 11, 2016
Concise and to the point. With a penchant for one-liners and a good story.
The Table of Contents is excellent! You can understand his thesis and arguments just by reading that. I think it's easy to take for granted how clear and well written the book is. Maxwell isn't trying to blow your mind with previously unheard of truths, but he does communicate his essential definitions for leadership in a way that makes sense and is easy for anyone to understand.
Just because it's simple and almost "no, duh" sometimes, doesn't mean it is not profoundly true. And, when a person can communicate ideas in their most basic and simplistic form, it usually means that person has a very good understand of what that idea is all about.
This is Maxwell's definition of (great) leadership that everyone can understand and begin to apply.
The Table of Contents is excellent! You can understand his thesis and arguments just by reading that. I think it's easy to take for granted how clear and well written the book is. Maxwell isn't trying to blow your mind with previously unheard of truths, but he does communicate his essential definitions for leadership in a way that makes sense and is easy for anyone to understand.
Just because it's simple and almost "no, duh" sometimes, doesn't mean it is not profoundly true. And, when a person can communicate ideas in their most basic and simplistic form, it usually means that person has a very good understand of what that idea is all about.
This is Maxwell's definition of (great) leadership that everyone can understand and begin to apply.
July 22, 2022
I was asked to read this book for a leadership program at work. While I do like some of the laws and the sentiments behind them I did not like that the book focuses on empowering men. It is also a book that has a lot of religious undertones. Not for me.
October 3, 2022
In terms of a workbook with enlightening questions and work sessions to cause one to ponder, plan, and execute the readings of the book, I can't say this one hit the mark. The questions largely felt incredibly obvious to me, and the reading sections mostly regurgitated the main book. Even the sections with encouragements to put things into practice felt either tedious or unreasonably overwhelming. No in between.
I almost feel like someone could buy this book on its own and not use it like a companion to the original book. In which case, I probably would have enjoyed it a little more instead of feeling like I was just rereading large chunks of the book over again.
I'd rate this book a G.
I almost feel like someone could buy this book on its own and not use it like a companion to the original book. In which case, I probably would have enjoyed it a little more instead of feeling like I was just rereading large chunks of the book over again.
I'd rate this book a G.
July 9, 2024
For a leader, this book will help you tremendously to add a few tools to your tool belt. For someone with no leadership experience, it too 5 most valuable reads.
Finally done Jake
Finally done Jake
February 4, 2021
I’d give this book 3 and a half stars probably. I had to read it for one of my classes, and the concepts themselves were great. I see how each of the laws are important and why they were included. However, I think two or three of the laws were really the same concept when it gets down to it. My favorite thing about the book itself is the section at the end of each chapter suggesting ways to apply that law to your own life. I wish the book had focused more on that aspect other than explaining the law for 10-15 pages after the meaning has been made pretty clear. Overall, I liked the tone of the author and I think that the book was perfect for the purpose of my class.
March 21, 2014
There are some great principles to leadership that most don't really think of. This not only teaches those principles, but also gives you the capability to interpret some leadership styles that are around you.
May 29, 2025
Great concepts and ideas that do ring true, however, this is very much written from a place of white, privileged, religious, ableist perspective.
I really want a leadership book that doesn’t make leadership sound like you can only be an effective leader if you are able-bodied, educated and ultimately come from a place of cultural and financial privilege. Or if you aren’t those things, that you have ‘battled to overcome’ these conditions.
I really want a leadership book that doesn’t make leadership sound like you can only be an effective leader if you are able-bodied, educated and ultimately come from a place of cultural and financial privilege. Or if you aren’t those things, that you have ‘battled to overcome’ these conditions.
November 19, 2024
This book breaks down a wholistic view on what it means to develop genuine leadership. The timeless principles discussed in this book will help you to grow, lead with integrity, and find ways to create a lasting legacy.
This is a good read for anyone striving to make positive change as a leader.
This is a good read for anyone striving to make positive change as a leader.
January 7, 2024
The book was a great listen on Audible. It was narrated by Maxwell and then had an afterward where he had some prominent folks talk about their utilization of the 21 laws. There was nothing crazy or ground breaking but just solid advice and reminders on leadership. Below are the 21 laws as a reminder to myself.
The 21 laws are:
The Law of the Lid: Your leadership ability determines your level of effectiveness.
The Law of Influence: Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. The ability to influence others to get them to do what you want/need and that they also want to do it.
The Law of Process: Leadership develops daily, not in a day. This also goes to a constant learning environment.
The Law of Navigation: Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. This also reminds me of management vs. leadership.
The Law of Addition: Leaders add value by serving others. Mentoring and Coaching are key components here.
The Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the foundation of leadership. Assume positive intent and request that from your subordinates and provide it back to your subordinates.
The Law of Respect: People naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves. This goes a long way. It means that even if I have to make an unpopular decision, then my subordinates will understand it.
The Law of Intuition: Leaders evaluate everything with a leadership bias.
The Law of Magnetism: Who you are is who you attract.
The Law of Connection: Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. Connecting with people first is a requirement before they follow. Compliance will happen because I’m in the Army. Folks following me will happen because I connect with them.
The Law of the Inner Circle: A leader’s potential is determined by those closest to him. Like my Grandfather said: You are who you hang out with.
The Law of Empowerment: Only secure leaders give power to others. I also have to tolerate good faith mistakes and even welcome these mistakes as part of a learning/empowering environments.
The Law of Reproduction: It takes a leader to raise up a leader. Not necessarily exactly like me but the best versions of themselves a la From the Green Notebook…
The Law of Buy-In: People buy into the leader, then the vision. A solid reasoning for why we are doing what we are doing is so critical to our success. If I can’t explain it and people buy into it, then why are we doing it?
The Law of Victory: Leaders find a way for the team to win. I must lead the team to delivering what we set out to do.
The Law of the Big Mo: Momentum is a leader’s best friend. A body in motion tends to stay in motion… Staying in motion is easier than trying to get moving again.
The Law of Priorities: Leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment. I have to prioritize in an environment where everything is the top priority…
The Law of Sacrifice: A leader must give up to go up. This can mean a lot of things. My time, my personal time, my family time… where is the line? Is my Family bought into this? Have I explained it to them?
The Law of Timing: When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go. This also goes into the timeliness of decision making. I should wait as long as possible to make a decision to make sure I have all the right information, however if I make a decision too late, then it won’t matter.
The Law of Explosive Growth: To add growth, lead followers; to multiply, lead leaders. This is the explosive growth of the Engineer Regiment and the Army. I can’t grow the battalion, but I can grow leaders for the Army at the NCO, Warrant, and Officer levels.
The Law of Legacy: A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession. This goes back to the MWI’s assertion that BN CDR’s success and legacy reside on LTs that decide to stay past their initial commitment. How can I impact this?…
The 21 laws are:
The Law of the Lid: Your leadership ability determines your level of effectiveness.
The Law of Influence: Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. The ability to influence others to get them to do what you want/need and that they also want to do it.
The Law of Process: Leadership develops daily, not in a day. This also goes to a constant learning environment.
The Law of Navigation: Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. This also reminds me of management vs. leadership.
The Law of Addition: Leaders add value by serving others. Mentoring and Coaching are key components here.
The Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the foundation of leadership. Assume positive intent and request that from your subordinates and provide it back to your subordinates.
The Law of Respect: People naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves. This goes a long way. It means that even if I have to make an unpopular decision, then my subordinates will understand it.
The Law of Intuition: Leaders evaluate everything with a leadership bias.
The Law of Magnetism: Who you are is who you attract.
The Law of Connection: Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. Connecting with people first is a requirement before they follow. Compliance will happen because I’m in the Army. Folks following me will happen because I connect with them.
The Law of the Inner Circle: A leader’s potential is determined by those closest to him. Like my Grandfather said: You are who you hang out with.
The Law of Empowerment: Only secure leaders give power to others. I also have to tolerate good faith mistakes and even welcome these mistakes as part of a learning/empowering environments.
The Law of Reproduction: It takes a leader to raise up a leader. Not necessarily exactly like me but the best versions of themselves a la From the Green Notebook…
The Law of Buy-In: People buy into the leader, then the vision. A solid reasoning for why we are doing what we are doing is so critical to our success. If I can’t explain it and people buy into it, then why are we doing it?
The Law of Victory: Leaders find a way for the team to win. I must lead the team to delivering what we set out to do.
The Law of the Big Mo: Momentum is a leader’s best friend. A body in motion tends to stay in motion… Staying in motion is easier than trying to get moving again.
The Law of Priorities: Leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment. I have to prioritize in an environment where everything is the top priority…
The Law of Sacrifice: A leader must give up to go up. This can mean a lot of things. My time, my personal time, my family time… where is the line? Is my Family bought into this? Have I explained it to them?
The Law of Timing: When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go. This also goes into the timeliness of decision making. I should wait as long as possible to make a decision to make sure I have all the right information, however if I make a decision too late, then it won’t matter.
The Law of Explosive Growth: To add growth, lead followers; to multiply, lead leaders. This is the explosive growth of the Engineer Regiment and the Army. I can’t grow the battalion, but I can grow leaders for the Army at the NCO, Warrant, and Officer levels.
The Law of Legacy: A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession. This goes back to the MWI’s assertion that BN CDR’s success and legacy reside on LTs that decide to stay past their initial commitment. How can I impact this?…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2019
As the first John Maxwell I've read, and it being abridged, there is some benefit of the doubt afforded to the author on my part. But this text is disappointing. It's made up of 21 short blips or "laws of leadership". It seems to vaguely portray members of the then-recent/current Bush 43' cabinet as a good example of leadership, with Condi Rice being a specific example. Maybe she was, but clearly, that means leadership and operational effectiveness must be two separate qualities since the administration presided over profoundly deep national security errors during her tenure. On the other end, to the author's credit, he did cite Bush' "leadership" during hurricane Katrina has an example of poor leadership. Curiously, he did not cite Bush's mediation between the Obama and McCain campaigns attempts in an attempt to navigate the start of the 2007-08' recession in his waning days as an example of good leadership, which he should have.
Comically, in the chapter discussing "The Law of the Picture", the label Maxwell gives for the notion that one ought to lead by example, Rudy Giuliani is the main "example" of someone practising this principle. Too bad there's no "Law of Wisdom" in his list, as he could have used that to pick better people who exemplify leadership for his illustrations.
Towards the end of the book, Maxwell cites one of his final "laws" for leadership, his "Law of Explosive Growth" where he describes a leadership franchise system, but it sort of sounds like a pyramid scheme. Maybe he should have used Bernie Madoff as his example for this chapter.
Looking up what Maxwell does, he's just a pastor that leads, what I imagine is a very homogenous evangelical following, and no with other real accomplishments under his name. So he's effectively done nothing of note outside of making a branding franchise... sounds familiar...
His laws as stated are more or less reasonable. Though a lot of them reduce to common sense, at the level of "leading something is hard so it requires sacrifice," or "you have to provide a vision your reports will buy in to". Literally, things anyone but a sociopath could probably intuit. I'll try his other books, perhaps the editors abridged over all the deep wisdom he wrote in this version while leaving only his platitudes.
Comically, in the chapter discussing "The Law of the Picture", the label Maxwell gives for the notion that one ought to lead by example, Rudy Giuliani is the main "example" of someone practising this principle. Too bad there's no "Law of Wisdom" in his list, as he could have used that to pick better people who exemplify leadership for his illustrations.
Towards the end of the book, Maxwell cites one of his final "laws" for leadership, his "Law of Explosive Growth" where he describes a leadership franchise system, but it sort of sounds like a pyramid scheme. Maybe he should have used Bernie Madoff as his example for this chapter.
Looking up what Maxwell does, he's just a pastor that leads, what I imagine is a very homogenous evangelical following, and no with other real accomplishments under his name. So he's effectively done nothing of note outside of making a branding franchise... sounds familiar...
His laws as stated are more or less reasonable. Though a lot of them reduce to common sense, at the level of "leading something is hard so it requires sacrifice," or "you have to provide a vision your reports will buy in to". Literally, things anyone but a sociopath could probably intuit. I'll try his other books, perhaps the editors abridged over all the deep wisdom he wrote in this version while leaving only his platitudes.
January 5, 2021
This book definitely grew on me. This was my first John C. Maxwell book, though I know he has been a predominant speaker and author in the leadership space for years. Admittedly, knowing that he is a Christian and former pastor, I had expected more explicit references to Christ or Christian leaders. While these laws seem like good references, I think it would be difficult for a disciple of Jesus to find some of these concepts in the life of Jesus, or that Jesus would look at life through these lenses. It seems like most of them were justified and proved through leaders who "won" or "achieved," whether that be making lots of money, getting to their desired job, winning on the battlefield, etc. However, I do not know if that is the Christian definition of success, which would largely be "faithfulness," even when you lose money or reputation or an opportunity. Also, on a humorous note, this book shows its age in some of its examples, inlcuding some leaders who have become controversial even in the last few years.
It could be that my critique is unfair and does not represent the intentions of the author, but if you are a younger Christian leader in the church or non-profit space, I think you might find a book like "Ministry Mantras" more accessible and relatable.
It could be that my critique is unfair and does not represent the intentions of the author, but if you are a younger Christian leader in the church or non-profit space, I think you might find a book like "Ministry Mantras" more accessible and relatable.
March 6, 2024
Each law features an example of a successful leader except for one, all were men and leaders in mostly sports or war. As a woman it was hard to relate and my interest in each example was difficult to sustain. the only female leader mentioned was mother Teresa and half as long as the stories about male leaders. This dude is out of touch and needs to rethink his audience.
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November 9, 2024The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership felt a bit dated to me. Maxwell’s insights are foundational, but the examples lack relevance for today’s rapidly changing, tech-driven work environments.
I appreciate Maxwell's experience, but some of his 'laws' seem rigid. Not every leader fits into these 'irrefutable' molds, especially in modern, more inclusive workplaces.
I appreciate Maxwell's experience, but some of his 'laws' seem rigid. Not every leader fits into these 'irrefutable' molds, especially in modern, more inclusive workplaces.
November 20, 2023
for school
December 16, 2025
# 👍🏻 What I Liked About It
- Many good references, strong structured narration
- Self-Evaluation Appendix in the end
- Quotes, good and catchy
# 👎🏻 What I Didn't Like About It
- It's so boring, with the thick layer of pathetic entitlement ("I had discovered the Law of Explosive”)… It's long, sometimes even disastrously slow and what most importantly, it's so preachy that you feel how the person sell you his method, or in our case - the “irrefutable” laws
- The stories are forced to support the narrative, leaving many controversial details behind, just keep in mind how the author manipulated you, hiding some facts in favour of storytelling
- The metrics-grade system for the leadership persona. "There’s always hope for a leader who wants to grow. People who are naturally a 7 may never become a 10—but they can become a 9. There is always room to grow.”
- There is no depth in here, just shallow instructions of banal ideas. This is a great book for people who love the structured advice, - “do as I said, and you will achieve great success!” Haha, pathetic…
# 👨🎓 What I’ve Learned
- Balancing optimism and realism, intuition and planning, faith and fact can be very difficult. But that’s what it takes to be effective as a navigating leader.
- There is one critical question: Are you making things better for the people who follow you?
# 📜 Quotes
“It’s not the position that makes the leader; it’s the leader that makes the position.”, —STANLEY HUFFTY
“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” —MOTHER TERESA
“Life is fleeting. When all is said and done, your ability as a leader will not be judged by what you achieved personally. You can make a blockbuster film, but it will be forgotten in a few generations. You can write a prize-winning novel, but it will be forgotten in a few centuries. You can create a masterpiece of art, but in a millennium or two, no one will remember that you created it.”
- Many good references, strong structured narration
- Self-Evaluation Appendix in the end
- Quotes, good and catchy
# 👎🏻 What I Didn't Like About It
- It's so boring, with the thick layer of pathetic entitlement ("I had discovered the Law of Explosive”)… It's long, sometimes even disastrously slow and what most importantly, it's so preachy that you feel how the person sell you his method, or in our case - the “irrefutable” laws
- The stories are forced to support the narrative, leaving many controversial details behind, just keep in mind how the author manipulated you, hiding some facts in favour of storytelling
- The metrics-grade system for the leadership persona. "There’s always hope for a leader who wants to grow. People who are naturally a 7 may never become a 10—but they can become a 9. There is always room to grow.”
- There is no depth in here, just shallow instructions of banal ideas. This is a great book for people who love the structured advice, - “do as I said, and you will achieve great success!” Haha, pathetic…
# 👨🎓 What I’ve Learned
- Balancing optimism and realism, intuition and planning, faith and fact can be very difficult. But that’s what it takes to be effective as a navigating leader.
- There is one critical question: Are you making things better for the people who follow you?
# 📜 Quotes
“It’s not the position that makes the leader; it’s the leader that makes the position.”, —STANLEY HUFFTY
“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” —MOTHER TERESA
“Life is fleeting. When all is said and done, your ability as a leader will not be judged by what you achieved personally. You can make a blockbuster film, but it will be forgotten in a few generations. You can write a prize-winning novel, but it will be forgotten in a few centuries. You can create a masterpiece of art, but in a millennium or two, no one will remember that you created it.”
September 16, 2025
This is the best book on leadership I have read in the past 20 years of my life.
I am incredibly impressed with John’s ability to write effectively as well. There wasn’t a single time when I was bored. Each chapter was entertaining. Not too long, not too short. I also loved how every single page ended with a period.
I can tell the John is a master at writing!
This book really reminds me of those of Robert greens (especially the 48 laws of power). Where as Robert greens books still poses a negative aura around them as they talk a lot about manipulations and want to look out for therefore, producing fear and other negative feelings in readers. Maxwell exudes positivity, and hope with this book.
Each law feels like a secret message . A key to a treasure chest. I’m so excited to apply these to my life as I strive to become a leader. I strive to help people.
I genuinely have no words to describe this book . I am simply blessed to have stumbled upon it in my bookstore randomly. I believe it doesn’t receive the credit that it deserves, and I hope that every single person that ever strives to become a leader reached this book.
Thank you, John C Maxwell for writing this masterpiece! I hope to meet you in person one day and shake your hand to thank you for dedicating your life to make a change in this world and help leaders do the same!
I am incredibly impressed with John’s ability to write effectively as well. There wasn’t a single time when I was bored. Each chapter was entertaining. Not too long, not too short. I also loved how every single page ended with a period.
I can tell the John is a master at writing!
This book really reminds me of those of Robert greens (especially the 48 laws of power). Where as Robert greens books still poses a negative aura around them as they talk a lot about manipulations and want to look out for therefore, producing fear and other negative feelings in readers. Maxwell exudes positivity, and hope with this book.
Each law feels like a secret message . A key to a treasure chest. I’m so excited to apply these to my life as I strive to become a leader. I strive to help people.
I genuinely have no words to describe this book . I am simply blessed to have stumbled upon it in my bookstore randomly. I believe it doesn’t receive the credit that it deserves, and I hope that every single person that ever strives to become a leader reached this book.
Thank you, John C Maxwell for writing this masterpiece! I hope to meet you in person one day and shake your hand to thank you for dedicating your life to make a change in this world and help leaders do the same!
February 2, 2025
I’m not sure John C. Maxwell ever wrote a book not worth your time, and this one is no exception. I’ve been familiar with this work through his other books plus my Leadership Study Bible that features the 21 Laws throughout, however never read the actual book. I say that to say, with my familiarity this book wasn’t life changing but did serve as a good reminder with many key takeaways throughout. Worth the read for any level of leader and/or any person wanting to make a difference in the lives of others.
January 31, 2025
This is in the top 5 books I’ve ever read on any subject. Leadership can be written about in a “cringy” way depending on who the author is and what they are talking about. John Maxwell couldn’t be further from that. His writing skills and life experience truly shows in these 21 Laws and I hope you reference this book the rest of my life. Every chapter I read added value to my life and will grow me as a leader. This is a must read for anyone who desires to lead others.
July 12, 2025
Great book and such a short read. Highly recommend as a book that gets re-read every year. These are great reminders of all the aspects of leadership and what role they play in successfully leading people.
If you are new to leadership or been leading people for 30 years this book is for you. John does a great job coming from a Christian background and interceding his experience as a pastor leading people and converting that over the business world.
If you are new to leadership or been leading people for 30 years this book is for you. John does a great job coming from a Christian background and interceding his experience as a pastor leading people and converting that over the business world.
October 13, 2024
This was a really good leadership book! I think the first half of the book was 5 stars but the end fell flat for me. There were a lot of lengthy war and sports analogies- two topics I dislike strongly but they did draw good examples for leadership. I like how each chapter ends with a self assessment and actionable items.
October 26, 2024
Es un buen libro para aprender a desarrollarte cómo líder, tiene muy buenos ejemplos y son buenas leyes, en mi opinión hay algunas que pueden estar mezcladas pero aún así está muy bien. No le doy las 5 estrellas porque algunos ejemplos son demasiado largos a mi parecer, por lo demás es un buen libro.
July 11, 2025
This is a must read for any aspiring or veteran leader. The laws discussed in this book at extremely insightful and communicated in an encouraging way. I strongly recommend the audiobook read by John C. Maxwell.
August 19, 2024
One of the best leadership books that I have read - full of excellent information.
September 27, 2024
Uno de los libros materiales de liderazgo que tuve y que fue en aquel tiempo un antes y después.
October 26, 2024
I just can’t do it. I made it to chapter 1.
November 12, 2024
Great book on leadership! Mr. Maxwell is a leadership expert for a reason.
December 27, 2024
Very good introduction to Leadership by a renowned writer and leader. Highly recommended
January 21, 2025
This was very enlightening. I listened to it on audio book, but found myself wanting to highlight many points, so I ended up purchasing a copy as well. It will be a great book to reference back to.
January 22, 2025
Great book, but tailored more towards high lever leaders over companies.
April 10, 2025
What I liked the most about this book is that it was short and concise. It covers lots of interesting leadership advice. Nothing groundbreaking, but worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews