LEADERSHIP GOLD: CHAPTER 16
People Quit People, Not Companies
People Quit People, Not Companies
Inspired by John C. Maxwell’s Leadership Gold – Chapter 16
By Bill Storm
We’ve all heard the saying, “People don’t quit jobs—they quit bosses.” John Maxwell sharpens that truth in Chapter 16 of Leadership Gold: “People quit people, not companies.”
No matter how great your product, pay, or perks, if people don’t feel valued, supported, and trusted by their leader, they won’t stay. Leadership isn’t just about directing tasks; it’s about connecting with people, seeing them, and helping them thrive.
For mid-career professionals and team leaders today, this message has never been more relevant. Corporate burnout, financial stress, and the uncertainty of rapid technological change leave employees questioning whether their leaders truly care about them.
Key Takeaways
1. Leadership Is Personal
Employees follow leaders who value them as people first. Maxwell says, “When people respect you as a person, they admire you. When they trust you as a leader, they follow you.”
2. Respect and Care Build Loyalty
True leaders understand that loyalty isn’t bought—it’s earned through empathy, consistency, and service.
3. Communication Builds Connection
Leaders who listen and respond with understanding create teams that stay. Ask questions like:
Financial stress is a silent “disengager.” Leaders who provide resources, coaching, or workshops to help employees manage their finances show care that goes beyond compensation.
5. Culture Starts at the Top
The way leaders treat people sets the tone for the entire organization. Respect, transparency, and encouragement ripple outward.
Action Steps for Leaders
1. Conduct Connection Check-Ins
Schedule one-on-one conversations that focus on employees’ well-being, not just tasks.
2. Recognize and Appreciate
Regularly affirm your team’s contributions publicly and privately.
3. Listen and Act
Practice active listening, then take steps to remove obstacles or provide support.
4. Provide Tools for Growth
Offer programs like the Financial Peace Workshop to help employees manage stress and plan for the future—showing you care about their life, not just their work.
5. Lead by Example
Demonstrate empathy, humility, and service in every interaction.
Closing Thought
John Maxwell says, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”
Financial wellness, emotional support, and genuine care are proof that your leadership is about people, not just tasks.
If you’re ready to show your team you value them beyond the paycheck, consider hosting one of my free Financial Peace Workshops. The goal is to help employees reduce stress, improve morale, and increase overall productivity.
📩 Click here to learn more and schedule a friendly 15-minute chat to get all the details! 👉 www.billstorm.com
Inspired by John C. Maxwell’s Leadership Gold – Chapter 16
By Bill Storm
We’ve all heard the saying, “People don’t quit jobs—they quit bosses.” John Maxwell sharpens that truth in Chapter 16 of Leadership Gold: “People quit people, not companies.”
No matter how great your product, pay, or perks, if people don’t feel valued, supported, and trusted by their leader, they won’t stay. Leadership isn’t just about directing tasks; it’s about connecting with people, seeing them, and helping them thrive.
For mid-career professionals and team leaders today, this message has never been more relevant. Corporate burnout, financial stress, and the uncertainty of rapid technological change leave employees questioning whether their leaders truly care about them.
Key Takeaways
1. Leadership Is Personal
Employees follow leaders who value them as people first. Maxwell says, “When people respect you as a person, they admire you. When they trust you as a leader, they follow you.”
2. Respect and Care Build Loyalty
True leaders understand that loyalty isn’t bought—it’s earned through empathy, consistency, and service.
3. Communication Builds Connection
Leaders who listen and respond with understanding create teams that stay. Ask questions like:
- How are you doing personally and professionally?
- What obstacles can I help remove?
Financial stress is a silent “disengager.” Leaders who provide resources, coaching, or workshops to help employees manage their finances show care that goes beyond compensation.
5. Culture Starts at the Top
The way leaders treat people sets the tone for the entire organization. Respect, transparency, and encouragement ripple outward.
Action Steps for Leaders
1. Conduct Connection Check-Ins
Schedule one-on-one conversations that focus on employees’ well-being, not just tasks.
2. Recognize and Appreciate
Regularly affirm your team’s contributions publicly and privately.
3. Listen and Act
Practice active listening, then take steps to remove obstacles or provide support.
4. Provide Tools for Growth
Offer programs like the Financial Peace Workshop to help employees manage stress and plan for the future—showing you care about their life, not just their work.
5. Lead by Example
Demonstrate empathy, humility, and service in every interaction.
Closing Thought
John Maxwell says, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”
Financial wellness, emotional support, and genuine care are proof that your leadership is about people, not just tasks.
If you’re ready to show your team you value them beyond the paycheck, consider hosting one of my free Financial Peace Workshops. The goal is to help employees reduce stress, improve morale, and increase overall productivity.
📩 Click here to learn more and schedule a friendly 15-minute chat to get all the details! 👉 www.billstorm.com
🙏Bonus: Chapter 16 Biblical Alignment Check
Scripture reinforces the call to lead with care and service:
Scripture reinforces the call to lead with care and service:
- Philippians 2:3–4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
- John 13:14–15 – Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, modeling servant leadership.
- Proverbs 27:23 – “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”
Show Notes and Worksheets
| chapter_16_team_worksheet.pdf |
✅ Biblical Alignment Check
| chapter_16_biblical_alignment_check.pdf |