What do you think?
Rate this book
The Right to Lead
As you prepare yourself to become a better leader, use the following guidelines to help you grow: Let go of your EGO. Become a good follower first. Build positive relationships. Work with excellence. Rely on discipline, not emotion. Make adding value your goal. Give your power away. In the Right to Lead, you will hear from and read about people who have done these same things and earned the right to others. Because of the courage they found and the character they displayed, other people recognized their admirable qualities and felt compelled to follow them.
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
16 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
John C. Maxwell
999 books5,857 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 21, 2010
The Right To Lead: Learning Leadership Through Character And Courage by John C. Maxwell...what can I say? I loved this book. I was expecting a novel style, but instead found a nice compact booked filled with inspirational stories, quotes, and ideas. This is truly a book I will read over and over again, simply when I am in need of motivation, of inspiration, or simply of escape.
Divided up into seven sections, John C. Maxwell shares with us different traits that need to be in existence for true leadership to come about. These include: Action, Vision, Sacrifice, Risk, Determination, Service, and Integrity. In each section, a good number of quotes are included, as well as at least one true story highlighting someone who has had a shown a great deal of the aforementioned trait.
In reading this book, I heard from and read about so many people who EARNED the right to lead others, through courage and character. As I read, I felt prompted to do my part to be a leader, in my own little ways: To lead my children as they seek my help and advice. To lead those few that I work with in PTA, and to inspire them as I do my part. The book does not tell you how to be in charge of others, or how to get them to do what you want. It tells you what YOU need to do to earn the right to be a leader. Then, and only then, will you truly be effective.
This was such an enjoyable read! Like I said, this is a book that I will happily read time and again, for reference if nothing else. I'm proud to have this book in my home library! 5 stars, all the way.
*I was not provided with any monetary compensation...the book was provided to me free of charge by BookSneeze in exchange for my review. The opinions shared are mine, and mine only.
Divided up into seven sections, John C. Maxwell shares with us different traits that need to be in existence for true leadership to come about. These include: Action, Vision, Sacrifice, Risk, Determination, Service, and Integrity. In each section, a good number of quotes are included, as well as at least one true story highlighting someone who has had a shown a great deal of the aforementioned trait.
In reading this book, I heard from and read about so many people who EARNED the right to lead others, through courage and character. As I read, I felt prompted to do my part to be a leader, in my own little ways: To lead my children as they seek my help and advice. To lead those few that I work with in PTA, and to inspire them as I do my part. The book does not tell you how to be in charge of others, or how to get them to do what you want. It tells you what YOU need to do to earn the right to be a leader. Then, and only then, will you truly be effective.
This was such an enjoyable read! Like I said, this is a book that I will happily read time and again, for reference if nothing else. I'm proud to have this book in my home library! 5 stars, all the way.
*I was not provided with any monetary compensation...the book was provided to me free of charge by BookSneeze in exchange for my review. The opinions shared are mine, and mine only.
June 3, 2016
This is a short book that is about leadership. It is primarily a motivational piece offering many short recollections of some past great leaders. Plenty of examples, but a little thin on in-depth content. It is a good quick read for a motivational boost, but there is probably better content found elsewhere.
May 11, 2010
The Right to Lead: Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage. By John C. Maxwell.
ISBN 978-1-4-41-8942-3 Published by Simple Truths, LLC.
This is a small hardcover book that discusses the characteristics of effective leaders. Each characteristic is then illustrated with a story about a real person who possesses that characteristic. There are also pithy quotes in each chapter by different individuals about the characteristic under discussion. It is intended to inspire people in positions of authority to be leaders. It is Christian in its' content.
The book was pleasant to read. I enjoyed the stories about famous people. I also enjoyed the quotations. However, this book didn’t tell me anything new about leadership. I suppose if I had not studied psychology, I might have found more new material. I can certainly see this book being presented a college graduate as a graduation present. It would make a nice present to someone who had just gotten promoted to a managerial position. It might even be a warning from a boss to a failing manager. It is not, however, an instruction manual. Rather, it is an illustration of those things that are necessary for leadership beyond a title and corner office: character, sacrifice, and work. Sometimes reminders are necessary for all of us, I suppose. If you need one, pick up this book.
FCC disclosure: I received this book from BookSneeze so that I may review it. I received no other compensation.
ISBN 978-1-4-41-8942-3 Published by Simple Truths, LLC.
This is a small hardcover book that discusses the characteristics of effective leaders. Each characteristic is then illustrated with a story about a real person who possesses that characteristic. There are also pithy quotes in each chapter by different individuals about the characteristic under discussion. It is intended to inspire people in positions of authority to be leaders. It is Christian in its' content.
The book was pleasant to read. I enjoyed the stories about famous people. I also enjoyed the quotations. However, this book didn’t tell me anything new about leadership. I suppose if I had not studied psychology, I might have found more new material. I can certainly see this book being presented a college graduate as a graduation present. It would make a nice present to someone who had just gotten promoted to a managerial position. It might even be a warning from a boss to a failing manager. It is not, however, an instruction manual. Rather, it is an illustration of those things that are necessary for leadership beyond a title and corner office: character, sacrifice, and work. Sometimes reminders are necessary for all of us, I suppose. If you need one, pick up this book.
FCC disclosure: I received this book from BookSneeze so that I may review it. I received no other compensation.
August 2, 2019
Anyone who has integrity, courage, determination, a call to serve others (not one’s own power), passion, a vision and a willingness to act, take risks & sacrifice...has the right to lead. However, ultimately, it is not titles, awards or placement that make a leader, it is if others see you as a leader. It is not where, what or when but HOW one leads that really matters. This book inspires the growing leader with a Christian approach.
October 22, 2015
What a great book! He totally nails who has the right to lead. We must be willing to give up our ego and build a character based on integrity. Otherwise even the great leaders will experience failure. They must have loyal followers who believe in them. It's doing the right thing in the end no matter the cost.
April 9, 2020
Interesting
This definitely wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. It was more inspirational. There were a lot of quotes throughout the book. I’m not really a “quote” person, but there were also some interesting stories I will be looking into such as Nelson Mandela. I’ve heard the name, but will be reading his biography next.
All in all, good book. Pretty quick read. I will read more John C. Maxwell books in the future.
This definitely wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. It was more inspirational. There were a lot of quotes throughout the book. I’m not really a “quote” person, but there were also some interesting stories I will be looking into such as Nelson Mandela. I’ve heard the name, but will be reading his biography next.
All in all, good book. Pretty quick read. I will read more John C. Maxwell books in the future.
January 6, 2020
A short look at essential leadership qualities. Uses quotes and biographical snapshots to illustrate each point. If you’ve read other Maxwell books, this will be a lot of review I suspect, but it’s so succinct it could almost be used as a review or intro if this is your first Maxwell read.
October 17, 2018
I haven't finished reading the book yet, but I enjoyed the way the writer condenses the concept of leadership through different stories. Give it a chance you will enjoy it I'm sure.
February 26, 2019
This was a great book!
August 13, 2019
I was a good catch up and easily illustrated for anyone to understand.
April 4, 2021
A short book on leadership. I loved my time in these pages
August 3, 2021
I like the samples provided in the book.
Read
July 22, 2023A simple, yet encouraging book!
August 25, 2023
Nothing crazy flashy, but still a good read. Inspiring stories and great nuggets of wisdom. Good stuff.
April 25, 2016
The “The Right to Lead “is another great book by John Maxwell. It took me around 2 hours to read through this book which contains 125 pages.
In this book John writes about people who have earned the right to lead others. Because of the courage they found and the character they displayed other people recognized their admirable qualities and felt compelled to follow them. John Maxwell states “It wouldn’t be accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead. The right to lead can only be earned. And it takes time”.
In the preface John Maxwell writes about “What gives a man or a woman the right to lead?” He writes that “It certainly isn’t gained by election or appointment. Having position, title, rank, or degrees does not qualify anyone to lead other people. And the ability doesn’t come automatically from age or experience either. He says that “The right to lead can only be earned and it takes time”.
The different sections in this book talk about various aspects of leadership. They are Action, Vision, Sacrifice, Risk, Determination, Service and Integrity. In each of the above sections John writes about various people who are leaders in their own way by displaying these characteristics. They include US Army General Normal Schwarzkopf, Nelson Mandela, George Washington, Eric Liddell, Harriet Tubman, and John Wooden to name a few. We definitely need more leaders in our world who display these characteristics.
Like other books by John Maxwell this book contains a lot of good inspirational quotations. I love reading the quotations from his books. This book will be a perfect gift for Church Leaders, Corporate Leaders, Graduates and Dad’s. Thanks to Mr. Maxwell for another great book and I highly recommend this book.
In this book John writes about people who have earned the right to lead others. Because of the courage they found and the character they displayed other people recognized their admirable qualities and felt compelled to follow them. John Maxwell states “It wouldn’t be accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead. The right to lead can only be earned. And it takes time”.
In the preface John Maxwell writes about “What gives a man or a woman the right to lead?” He writes that “It certainly isn’t gained by election or appointment. Having position, title, rank, or degrees does not qualify anyone to lead other people. And the ability doesn’t come automatically from age or experience either. He says that “The right to lead can only be earned and it takes time”.
The different sections in this book talk about various aspects of leadership. They are Action, Vision, Sacrifice, Risk, Determination, Service and Integrity. In each of the above sections John writes about various people who are leaders in their own way by displaying these characteristics. They include US Army General Normal Schwarzkopf, Nelson Mandela, George Washington, Eric Liddell, Harriet Tubman, and John Wooden to name a few. We definitely need more leaders in our world who display these characteristics.
Like other books by John Maxwell this book contains a lot of good inspirational quotations. I love reading the quotations from his books. This book will be a perfect gift for Church Leaders, Corporate Leaders, Graduates and Dad’s. Thanks to Mr. Maxwell for another great book and I highly recommend this book.
April 29, 2021
John Maxwell always got the inside scoop to keep a reader motivated. I love his question; What gives a man or woman the right to lead?
Not an election
Not an appointment
Not a position
Not a title
Not a rank
Not a college degree
Not age
Not experience
I will add:
Not nepotism
Not chasing numbers
Not because of where you are from
Not because you can hide behind PowerPoint
"It can only be earned. And that takes time."
Make me want to follow you!
This quick read is loaded with examples of all kinds of proven leaders throughout history. It is also inspiring.
Not an election
Not an appointment
Not a position
Not a title
Not a rank
Not a college degree
Not age
Not experience
I will add:
Not nepotism
Not chasing numbers
Not because of where you are from
Not because you can hide behind PowerPoint
"It can only be earned. And that takes time."
Make me want to follow you!
This quick read is loaded with examples of all kinds of proven leaders throughout history. It is also inspiring.
September 3, 2012
Excellent. Another great selection from "The Simple Truths" (www.simpletruths.com), we are given a valuable insight into short (relative) stories of leadership in action. While the book focuses on Character and Courage, as the title indicates, it is a well-rounded Leadership Manual. A quick read that will give any leader great insight for introspection.
March 15, 2011
Inspirational? Maybe. However, this book offers little that a web site on leadership quotes can't offer. Glorifies military-style courage and conduct.
July 6, 2015
inspiration and instruction on leadership in a very compact book
April 15, 2012
Another great John Maxwell book
January 27, 2014
A quick read leadership guide with great examples and advice. It would make a great gift book.
April 19, 2014
This is vintage Maxwell, worth the read if leadership is in your past, present, or future.
August 19, 2014
This is a short and very inspirational read with many short stories and quotes. The lessons are very compact and there are several checklists for every leader throughout its pages. Quick Read!
December 24, 2015
yet another chunk of J.C.M.'s wisdom on living better life
August 15, 2017
A lot of very good leadership guidance and advice.
March 27, 2013
full of excellent quotes and short stories of leadership that reinforce his 7 aspects of leadership
June 9, 2013
Love John Maxwell's leadership books! This was quick & easy.
September 8, 2013
A very true leadership teaching is mostly coverup up on this book and yet simple one!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews