The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
John Maxwell
Chapter Seven
The Law of Respect
The underlying main point of this chapter is that “People naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves”. At my first glance I was alarmed because I thought to myself who would I attract? What kind of leader or person would gravitate to me? So I noticed in my relationship trails that people slide my way because of what I have to offer. I attract people that have a natural hunger for the Word and want to learn more. I have exhibited to them an ability to impart. They actually do respect that quality in me. As the respect grows toward me, I also know that I return that respect by not knocking them when they don’t at first get it. They follow not because it’s easy but because it’s mutual. I see that even when I take a risk to try something new the people around me exhibit the same courage and loyalty. Speaking of courage and loyalty I believe those traits will never go out of style. The bar gets raised when a leader plans out the trip and has its pros and cons outlined. Fear is never an option. Courage breeds courage. Loyalty is also developed out of the respect generated. People will follow you to hell with a squirt gun if you have their heart. Leaders that are respected also need to be quick to repent and quick to forgive. Quick to say I was wrong, what can I do to fix it? I pray that my heart always exhibits that I have their best interests in mind. I pray that I will always strive to lift them up to be all that God has in store for them.
