LEADERSHIP GOLD: CHAPTER 15
Leaders Distinguish Themselves During Tough Times
Leaders Distinguish Themselves During Tough Times
Inspired by John C. Maxwell’s Leadership Gold – Chapter 15
By Bill Storm
If there’s one thing that separates true leaders from everyone else, it’s not how they perform when things are easy — it’s how they respond when life gets hard.
In Chapter 15 of Leadership Gold, John Maxwell reminds us that tough times don’t create leaders — they reveal them. Adversity acts as a mirror, showing us who we really are when the pressure rises.
For many mid-career professionals today, these “tough times” are real. Corporate burnout, uncertainty about the future, and the rapid changes driven by AI are forcing people to re-evaluate their path. Some feel stuck between the security of a paycheck and the calling to create something more meaningful.
Here’s the truth: your response in these moments will define your next chapter.
Key Takeaways
1. Crisis Doesn’t Build Character — It Reveals It
Anyone can lead when things are going well. But when things fall apart — when markets shift, teams struggle, or opportunities dry up — your character is put to the test.
Maxwell says that leaders emerge in the storm because that’s when their values, resilience, and faith are exposed for all to see.
2. Pressure Produces Clarity
Tough times strip away the nonessentials. What really matters becomes painfully clear. For many professionals, adversity is what reveals that their ladder has been leaning against the wrong wall.
When life shakes your foundation, it’s often because you’re being called to build something stronger.
3. Courage Is a Daily Decision
Leadership isn’t about never feeling fear; it’s about moving forward despite it. Leaving corporate to start your own business or coaching practice takes courage. But courage grows every time you act in faith instead of fear.
4. Growth Lives in Discomfort
As Maxwell teaches, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” Tough times are life’s invitation to grow — emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. Those who embrace that process rise higher than before.
5. Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude
You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Leaders use adversity as fuel for transformation. Followers use it as an excuse to stop moving.
Action Steps for Leaders
1. Reflect Before You React
When facing a setback, pause and ask, What is this trying to teach me? Shift from frustration to curiosity.
2. Anchor Yourself in Your Values
When pressure hits, your values become your compass. Revisit what you stand for — integrity, faith, service — and make decisions that reflect them.
3. Surround Yourself with Strength
Leaders aren’t meant to go it alone. Build a circle of trusted peers, mentors, or coaches who will challenge and encourage you through uncertainty.
4. Lead Yourself First
You can’t lead others effectively if you’re running on empty. Protect your mindset, your faith, and your physical energy. The strength you show in private determines the confidence you project in public.
5. Turn Pain Into Purpose
Every struggle can serve as preparation. Use your tough seasons as testimony — evidence that you’ve walked through the fire and came out refined. That’s what makes your leadership authentic.
Closing Thought
John Maxwell says, “Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others — especially during tough times.”
If you’re in a season of uncertainty, maybe it’s not the end — maybe it’s your beginning. The people who rise above burnout and break through fear are the ones who choose growth, faith, and courage even when the path isn’t clear.
Tough times don’t define you. They refine you.
Bill Storm
PS. Many professionals I speak with feel uncertain about the future, especially with AI reshaping industries at lightning speed.
That’s why I created the Finding Your True Gift workbook, inspired by my work with Tony Robbins.
One of the exercises in the workbook helps you identify which of the 3 types you are — Artist, Leader, or Entrepreneur. Once you know that, you can finally see why some roles drain you and others energize you.
📩 If you’d like a copy, send me a DM or connect with me here, and I’ll send it your way.
🙏Bonus: Chapter 15 Biblical Alignment Check
Maxwell’s message aligns powerfully with Scripture. The Bible teaches that trials refine us, revealing our faith and character.
Where It Differs
Maxwell frames adversity primarily as a leadership development tool. Scripture takes it deeper — tough times aren’t just for growth, but for dependence on God. Leadership strength comes not from grit alone, but from grace.
Inspired by John C. Maxwell’s Leadership Gold – Chapter 15
By Bill Storm
If there’s one thing that separates true leaders from everyone else, it’s not how they perform when things are easy — it’s how they respond when life gets hard.
In Chapter 15 of Leadership Gold, John Maxwell reminds us that tough times don’t create leaders — they reveal them. Adversity acts as a mirror, showing us who we really are when the pressure rises.
For many mid-career professionals today, these “tough times” are real. Corporate burnout, uncertainty about the future, and the rapid changes driven by AI are forcing people to re-evaluate their path. Some feel stuck between the security of a paycheck and the calling to create something more meaningful.
Here’s the truth: your response in these moments will define your next chapter.
Key Takeaways
1. Crisis Doesn’t Build Character — It Reveals It
Anyone can lead when things are going well. But when things fall apart — when markets shift, teams struggle, or opportunities dry up — your character is put to the test.
Maxwell says that leaders emerge in the storm because that’s when their values, resilience, and faith are exposed for all to see.
2. Pressure Produces Clarity
Tough times strip away the nonessentials. What really matters becomes painfully clear. For many professionals, adversity is what reveals that their ladder has been leaning against the wrong wall.
When life shakes your foundation, it’s often because you’re being called to build something stronger.
3. Courage Is a Daily Decision
Leadership isn’t about never feeling fear; it’s about moving forward despite it. Leaving corporate to start your own business or coaching practice takes courage. But courage grows every time you act in faith instead of fear.
4. Growth Lives in Discomfort
As Maxwell teaches, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” Tough times are life’s invitation to grow — emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. Those who embrace that process rise higher than before.
5. Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude
You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Leaders use adversity as fuel for transformation. Followers use it as an excuse to stop moving.
Action Steps for Leaders
1. Reflect Before You React
When facing a setback, pause and ask, What is this trying to teach me? Shift from frustration to curiosity.
2. Anchor Yourself in Your Values
When pressure hits, your values become your compass. Revisit what you stand for — integrity, faith, service — and make decisions that reflect them.
3. Surround Yourself with Strength
Leaders aren’t meant to go it alone. Build a circle of trusted peers, mentors, or coaches who will challenge and encourage you through uncertainty.
4. Lead Yourself First
You can’t lead others effectively if you’re running on empty. Protect your mindset, your faith, and your physical energy. The strength you show in private determines the confidence you project in public.
5. Turn Pain Into Purpose
Every struggle can serve as preparation. Use your tough seasons as testimony — evidence that you’ve walked through the fire and came out refined. That’s what makes your leadership authentic.
Closing Thought
John Maxwell says, “Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others — especially during tough times.”
If you’re in a season of uncertainty, maybe it’s not the end — maybe it’s your beginning. The people who rise above burnout and break through fear are the ones who choose growth, faith, and courage even when the path isn’t clear.
Tough times don’t define you. They refine you.
Bill Storm
PS. Many professionals I speak with feel uncertain about the future, especially with AI reshaping industries at lightning speed.
That’s why I created the Finding Your True Gift workbook, inspired by my work with Tony Robbins.
One of the exercises in the workbook helps you identify which of the 3 types you are — Artist, Leader, or Entrepreneur. Once you know that, you can finally see why some roles drain you and others energize you.
📩 If you’d like a copy, send me a DM or connect with me here, and I’ll send it your way.
🙏Bonus: Chapter 15 Biblical Alignment Check
Maxwell’s message aligns powerfully with Scripture. The Bible teaches that trials refine us, revealing our faith and character.
- James 1:2–4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
👉 Tough times are not punishment — they’re preparation. - Romans 5:3–4 – “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
👉 Growth happens in the grind, not the comfort zone. - Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
👉 God’s presence sustains leaders through hardship.
Where It Differs
Maxwell frames adversity primarily as a leadership development tool. Scripture takes it deeper — tough times aren’t just for growth, but for dependence on God. Leadership strength comes not from grit alone, but from grace.
🙏Bonus: Chapter 15 Biblical Alignment Check
Maxwell’s message aligns powerfully with Scripture. The Bible teaches that trials refine us, revealing our faith and character.
Where It Differs
Maxwell frames adversity primarily as a leadership development tool. Scripture takes it deeper — tough times aren’t just for growth, but for dependence on God. Leadership strength comes not from grit alone, but from grace.
Maxwell’s message aligns powerfully with Scripture. The Bible teaches that trials refine us, revealing our faith and character.
- James 1:2–4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
👉 Tough times are not punishment — they’re preparation. - Romans 5:3–4 – “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
👉 Growth happens in the grind, not the comfort zone. - Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
👉 God’s presence sustains leaders through hardship.
Where It Differs
Maxwell frames adversity primarily as a leadership development tool. Scripture takes it deeper — tough times aren’t just for growth, but for dependence on God. Leadership strength comes not from grit alone, but from grace.
Show Notes and Worksheets
| chapter_15_team_worksheet.pdf |
✅ Biblical Alignment Check
| chapter_15_biblical_alignment_check.pdf |