The Law of the Lid – Leadership Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness
Applications from John Maxwell’s “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”
“Personal success without leadership ability brings only limited effectiveness.” 5
Like many of you, I watched “The Last Dance” highlighting Michael Jordan’s amazing career. From the beginning of his career with the Bulls there was no questioning his talent. For several years he dominated the league with his amazing individual performances (winning multiple MVP trophies and scoring titles), but he failed to win the championship.
It wasn’t until he grew as a leader that he started winning championships. Talent can only take you so far, then you need leadership.
When he started shifting his focus from from leading the league in scoring to leading the team the Bulls took off and ended up winning 6 championships. Granted, he also got some help from Scottie Pippen and others!
Even Michael Jordan level talent will only take you so far without leadership skills.
John Maxwell says, “The greater the impact you want to make, the greater your influence needs to be. Whatever you will accomplish is restricted by your ability to lead others.” 5
Lifting your leadership lid helps you in every area of life. And it doesn’t just help you! As many have said, when the leader gets better, everyone gets better. Maxwell says, “Leadership has a multiplying effect.” 7
A rising leader, like the rising tide, lifts those around them. When you reach your lid in skill, you can still improve by raising your leadership lid. Maxwell says, “To reach the highest level of effectiveness, you have to raise the lid—one way or another.” 9
I’m currently in the process of lifting my lid as a leader. During this season I became a John Maxwell certified leadership trainer, speaker and coach. I believe that if I can grow as a leader it will lift the lid for me as I seek to lead my church, my staff and my family.