The Law of Process

Law #3 of John Maxwell's The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is:

The Law Process: Leadership Develops Daily, Not in a Day

Maxwell likens this law to investing: “Becoming a leader is a lot like investing successfully in the stock market. If your hope is to make a fortune in a day, you’re not going to be successful.” He reminds us that leadership is a collection of skills, many of which consist of mastering intangible factors. It takes time to practice and develop these skills. Therefore, leaders MUST be learners.. lifelong learners. He highlights that so many of us want quick fixes; we want the results without doing what it really takes to achieve those results.

Maxwell acknowledges that every person is different. While some people are born with more natural ability than others, everyone can learn and acquire the skills, grow and become effective leaders. He outlines 5 phases of leadership development:

· PHASE 1- I Don’t Know What I Don’t Know: Many people either fail to recognize the value of leadership, they don’t recognize the importance, or they think it is only for a few [for people at the top]. Actually, in the course of a day, most people usually try to influence at lease 4 other people. Thus, most of us are already in a position to lead. As long as a person doesn’t know what he doesn’t know, he will not grow.

· PHASE 2- I Know That I Need To Know: At some point, many people are placed in a leadership role and realize that no one is following. This is when they realize that they need to learn how to lead.

· PHASE 3- I Know What I Don’t Know: While energy and charisma may get you to a point when leading others, it is essential to develop leadership skills. The way to do this is by actively seeking that knowledge through a plan for personal growth.

· PHASE 4- I Know And Grow, And It Starts To Show: Once you dedicate yourself to daily discipline to learn and grow, YOU WILL. And, people will start to recognize it….Remember, this is not an overnight process. It takes years…decades. But, it has to start somewhere [just like investing]. During this phase, you can be effective as a leader, but you have to focus and think about most decisions…

· PHASE 5- I Simply Go Because Of What I Know: Once you reach this stage, your leading ability becomes almost automatic. You are second guessing yourself less and less.

This concept is reflected in Maxwell's following statements:

-“What a person does on a disciplined, consistent basis get his ready, no matter what the goal.”

- “Champions don’t become champions in the ring- they are merely recognized there.”

Applying the Law of the Lid to Your Life

1. What is your personal plan for growth? Write one out. Maxwell recommends reading one book per month. Listen to at least one CD or streaming message a week and attend one conference per year. Select the materials in advance, set aside time for growth on your calendar. Start IMMEDIATELY. If you need help developing a plan, you can read another book by John Maxwell, Today Matters.

2. One thing that separates great leaders from good leaders is the way they invest in those who follow them. Extend your plan for growth to those who follow you…take them through books, bring in trainers, mentor them one-on-one. Make providing opportunities for growth your responsibility.

3. When people in your sphere of influence know that personal growth and leadership development are valued, resourced and rewarded, growth will explode. And, that environment will begin attracted high achievers and those with great potential.

Reference:

Maxwell, John. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Chapter 3- The Law of Process. Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN; 2007