 In Chapter 7 of High Road Leadership, John Maxwell emphasizes a core principle of leadership: placing people above your agenda. Leaders who prioritize their team's needs, goals, and well-being create a culture of trust, loyalty, and collective success. This chapter underscores that leadership is not about self-promotion or using people to achieve personal objectives. Instead, it’s about serving others, nurturing their growth, and guiding them to success.
[Click here to watch my take on this chapter and why I’m calling B.S. on this one!] Leaders who put people first foster a more collaborative, engaged, and motivated environment. The focus shifts from a “me” mentality to a “we” mentality, driving long-term results and strengthening relationships. Key Takeaways 1. People-Centered Leadership Fosters Trust Maxwell argues that one of the most important aspects of leadership is trust. Leaders who place people above their personal agendas build deeper, more meaningful connections with their teams. Trust is the foundation for strong relationships, and it’s cultivated when leaders consistently act in the best interests of others rather than for personal gain. Trust is earned when leaders demonstrate that they are genuinely invested in the success and well-being of their team members, not just in achieving their own goals. Over time, this trust results in higher engagement, loyalty, and a shared commitment to the team’s objectives. 2. Leaders Serve, Not Control Maxwell makes a clear distinction between leaders who serve and those who try to control. A self-centered leader often seeks to control outcomes and people to advance their personal agenda, which can lead to resentment and disengagement from the team. A servant leader, by contrast, seeks to elevate others and support their success. True leadership comes from the desire to help others reach their potential. Serving others doesn’t mean you neglect your own goals, but it does mean prioritizing the well-being and growth of your team, knowing that when they thrive, the entire organization thrives. 3. People Are More Important Than Tasks While tasks and results are important, Maxwell emphasizes that people should always come first. Leaders who focus too much on results and neglect the human element risk burning out their team or losing their loyalty. When leaders value people above tasks, they create an environment where individuals feel appreciated, motivated, and empowered to do their best work. This mindset shift not only improves productivity but also promotes a healthy, sustainable workplace culture where people feel respected and valued. 4. Empathy is Essential Leaders who place people above their own agenda are empathetic. Empathy allows leaders to understand and share the feelings of others, which in turn helps them make better decisions that align with the needs and aspirations of their team. Empathy helps leaders see beyond their own goals and ambitions and understand what truly matters to the people they lead. Action Steps for Leaders 1. Listen Actively to Your Team One of the most effective ways to prioritize people over your agenda is by actively listening to them. Create opportunities for open dialogue and make it clear that their input is valuable. Leaders can hold regular one-on-one meetings, encourage feedback, and seek to understand their team members' individual goals and challenges. Active listening helps leaders build stronger connections, understand team dynamics, and identify opportunities to support personal and professional growth. 2. Empower Others Instead of focusing on personal outcomes, empower your team members by delegating meaningful tasks and giving them ownership over their work. Allow them to take initiative, make decisions, and learn from their experiences. When leaders place trust in their teams, it fosters confidence, creativity, and accountability. Empowerment is a way of showing that you trust others to make decisions and contribute meaningfully, reinforcing that their success is just as important as yours. 3. Support Personal and Professional Growth Maxwell advises leaders to be deeply invested in the development of their team members. Take the time to understand their career goals, offer mentorship, and provide opportunities for growth. When leaders genuinely care about their team’s development, it creates a culture of continuous improvement and loyalty. Consider creating personal development plans for each team member and providing resources, training, and encouragement to help them achieve their goals. 4. Celebrate the Success of Others Leaders who place people above their own agenda celebrate the achievements of their team. Acknowledge individual and team successes, both big and small, and make it a habit to recognize others’ contributions. Public recognition, sincere praise, and rewards not only motivate but also demonstrate that the leader values the contributions of each person. By celebrating the success of others, leaders shift the focus from their own achievements to the accomplishments of the team, creating a collaborative and inclusive culture. 5. Lead by Example Actions speak louder than words. Leaders who place people above their own agenda must consistently model this behavior. Show through your actions that you prioritize the needs of your team by being transparent, accessible, and supportive. Consistently demonstrating this people-first approach will inspire others to follow suit and contribute to a culture of collaboration and care. Conclusion In High Road Leadership, John Maxwell reminds us that leadership is about lifting others up, not advancing our own interests. When leaders place people above their agenda, they create an environment where trust, empathy, and collaboration thrive. The result is a more engaged, motivated, and productive team that is committed to shared success. By practicing people-centered leadership, leaders can build lasting relationships and drive long-term results that benefit both the team and the organization. Bill Storm PS. If you like today's message, here are several ways I can help you grow faster…
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