Leadership isn’t polite. It doesn’t knock. It doesn’t wait for permission.
Leadership kicks the door open. It sets the pace. It pushes you to rise—or risk being left behind.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from John Maxwell is that “Leaders who grow themselves grow others.” This principle has shaped how I view leadership—not as a solitary pursuit, but as a ripple effect. Your growth sparks the growth of those around you.
But Maxwell also taught me something deeper: leadership is not about position—it’s about action. It’s not a title, and it’s certainly not a comfort zone. Leadership is influence, and influence only comes when you’re willing to take responsibility for your growth and for inspiring others.
In 2025, leadership demands balance—boldness without recklessness, speed without forgetting the importance of people.
The New Rules of Leadership
1️⃣ The world won’t wait for you.
The pace of change is relentless. Leaders don’t have the luxury of standing still.
2️⃣ Your growth is your responsibility.
Nobody will hand you opportunities. It’s your job to step up, grow, and lead.
3️⃣ Excuses don’t matter.
The world rewards action and results, not reasons or delays.
Leadership isn’t about asking others to slow down—it’s about finding the strength and clarity to keep up.
Maxwell’s wisdom reminds us: “A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
This isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about inspiring others to rise alongside you.
What I’ve Learned About Leadership from Maxwell
John Maxwell’s teachings have taught me that leadership is a journey, not a destination.
It starts with self-leadership. Maxwell often says, “You cannot lead others until you lead yourself.” This has challenged me to be honest about my blind spots, disciplined in my habits, and relentless in my personal growth.
Maxwell also emphasizes the importance of adding value to others. He says, “The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.” This means leadership isn’t about exerting control; it’s about empowering others to find their own strength and potential.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned from Maxwell that leaders create momentum. They don’t wait for the perfect circumstances; they take imperfect action and inspire others to follow.
In Business
The rules are simple:
- Keep up, or step aside.
- Innovate, or risk becoming irrelevant.
- Lead, or be left behind.
But Maxwell would add that great leaders do more than just lead—they show others how to lead as well.
Leadership in business is about setting the tone, driving progress, and ensuring your team feels empowered to grow and excel.
It’s about finding that balance between pushing forward and building the systems, culture, and clarity that enable others to move with you.
In Relationships
Leadership isn’t just for the boardroom—it’s critical in relationships, too.
True leadership in relationships is about growth, not control.
- Elevate yourself and those around you.
- Grow together, not apart.
- Support without enabling complacency.
- Never dim someone else’s light to make yours brighter.
Maxwell’s teaching reminds us that “Leadership is influence.” And in every relationship, leadership is about inspiring and challenging one another to be better—not holding back or settling.
Growth Is Messy, But Necessary
Let’s be honest—growth isn’t comfortable.
It demands you let go of old habits, face your weaknesses, and adapt faster than you thought possible.
Leadership asks you to rise above mediocrity, make tough decisions, and move forward even when it feels uncertain.
Maxwell reminds us: “Everything worthwhile is uphill.” Leadership isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.
Leaders don’t wait for things to get easier—they become stronger. They don’t ask others to slow down—they push themselves to keep up.
The Path Forward
Here’s what you need to ask yourself in 2025:
- Where are you playing it safe?
- Are you waiting for permission to lead?
- Are you inspiring others to grow, or just focusing on yourself?
Because standing still is no longer an option. Growth doesn’t wait. Leadership doesn’t wait.
Maxwell reminds us that leaders not only move boldly—they create space for others to thrive.
True leadership is about setting the pace, raising the bar, and inspiring those around you to rise.
The board is set. The clock is ticking.
Are you ready to step up, push boundaries, and lead?
This isn’t the year to survive—it’s the year to dominate.
The future belongs to those who move. Let’s go. ♟️🔥✨
