Are you ready to pivot your leadership and embrace the changes necessary to thrive in a constantly evolving world? John Maxwell’s Leadershift is packed with actionable insights for leaders at every level.
Book Summary:
Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace
In Leadershift, John Maxwell outlines 11 pivotal changes every leader needs to make to stay relevant, effective, and impactful in today’s fast-moving world. As a leader, adaptability is no longer optional—it’s the foundation of success. Maxwell’s shifts focus on moving from a rigid, traditional leadership style to a flexible and growth-centered mindset.
Here’s a brief overview of the shifts Maxwell discusses:
Soloist to Collaborator: Leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself; it’s about building a team and empowering others.
Goals to Growth: While goals provide direction, a growth mindset keeps leaders evolving and prepared for the future.
Maintaining to Creating: Leaders must continually innovate instead of just maintaining the status quo.
Pleasing to Challenging: Effective leaders challenge their teams to grow, even if it means making tough decisions.
(Additional shifts are explored in the book, each offering practical strategies to help leaders grow and adapt.)
Maxwell emphasizes that leadership is an ongoing journey, requiring intentionality and reflection. Leaders who embrace these shifts can inspire their teams, navigate challenges, and create lasting impact.
Personal Application:
I found Maxwell’s Leadershift to be a powerful reminder that staying stagnant is not an option. My top Gallup strength, Maximizer, drives me to help others reach their full potential, and this book affirmed my belief that growth is an essential part of leadership.
One of the most transformative shifts for me was moving from “Pleasing to Challenging.” Early in my career, I used to focus on pleasing everyone on my team, avoiding conflict at all costs. However, I realized that true leadership means challenging your team to grow—even when it’s uncomfortable. I once led a team through a significant organizational change where I had to push them out of their comfort zone. By doing so, we achieved record-breaking results and cultivated a stronger sense of trust and collaboration.
As a professor and business coach, I also apply the “Soloist to Collaborator” shift daily. It’s tempting to take on everything myself, but I’ve learned that involving others not only lightens the load but also creates opportunities for shared success.
How to Use This Book to Maximize Success:
Assess Your Leadership Style: Identify which of Maxwell’s 11 shifts you’ve already embraced and which ones need attention.
Focus on Growth: Shift from simply achieving goals to fostering continuous personal and professional growth for yourself and your team.
Empower Your Team: Use the lessons on collaboration to delegate effectively and build a strong, supportive team culture.
If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, start by reflecting on your ability to adapt and grow. Maxwell’s Leadershift is a must-read for anyone looking to lead with purpose, creativity, and resilience. Whether you’re leading a team of five or a company of 500, these shifts will help you navigate change and maximize your impact.
When I’m not coaching or teaching, you’ll often find me with my nose buried in a new book. As a Learner, I’ve read over 300 books in the last five years, and Leadershift is one that I’ve returned to time and time again. It’s like having John Maxwell as your personal mentor!