“In my first leadership position, I mistakenly thought that being named the leader meant that I was the leader. Back then I defined leading as a noun—as the position I was appointed to—not a verb—as what I was doing. Though I had been hired as the senior pastor, I quickly discovered the real leader of the church was a down-to-earth farmer named Claude, who had been earning his leadership influence through many positive actions over many years. He later explained it to me, saying, “John, all the letters”
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John C. Maxwell
“When you develop confidence, those around you—friends, family, and associates—will increase in their own confidence levels. Confidence breeds confidence.”
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John C. Maxwell
“They practice daily disciplines. They implement systems for their personal growth. They make it a habit to maintain a positive attitude. At the very least, these things keep their personal momentum going. At their very best, they make every day a masterpiece.”
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John C. Maxwell
“NBA superstar David Robinson remarked, “I think any player will tell you that individual accomplishments help your ego, but if you don’t win, it makes for a very, very long season. It counts more that the team has played well.”
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John C. Maxwell
“Good leaders motivate others by their listening skills. We are to: avoid prejudicial first impressions; become less self-centered; withhold initial criticism; stay calm; listen with empathy; be active listeners; clarify what we hear; and recognize the healing power of listening. Then we are to act on what we hear”
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John C. Maxwell
“Have to sow excellent seeds to have an excellent life. Must start with sowing excellent thoughts.”
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John C. Maxwell
“John W. Gardner observed, “If I had to name a single all-purpose instrument of leadership, it would be communication.”
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John C. Maxwell
“Action is what converts human dreams into significance.”
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John C. Maxwell
“Most People have a desire to look for the exception instead of the desire to become exceptional. ”
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John C. Maxwell
“Needless to say, you can love people without leading them, but you cannot lead people without loving them.”
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John C. Maxwell
“Not realizing what you want is a problem of knowledge. Not pursuing what you want is a problem of motivation. Not achieving what you want is a problem of persistence.”
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John C. Maxwell
“My friend Nancy Dornan says, “The longest distance between two points is a shortcut.” That’s really true. For everything of value in life, you pay a price. As you desire to grow in a particular area, figure out what it will really take, including the price, and then determine to pay it.”
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John C. Maxwell
“you need to stop waiting for the man you want to become and start being the man you want to be.”
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John C. Maxwell
“If you really want to be an uncommon leader, you’re going to have to find a way to get much of your vision seen, implemented, and added to by others.”
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John C. Maxwell
“NO NOTES. This was truly an oral event. Storytellers didn’t read their stories; they told them, which allowed for eye contact.”
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John C. Maxwell