The Law Of The Big Mo

Law #16 of John Maxwell's The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is:

The Law of The Big Mo: Momentum Is a Leader’s Best Friend

Maxwell explains with this law that, although a leader may have all the right people, passion and tools in place to realize a vision, unless there is actual movement forward in a real way toward that goal, he/she is ‘dead in the water’ as a leader.

“If you can’t get things going, you will not succeed.”

Truths About Momentum

“Why is momentum a leader’s best friend? Many times momentum is the only thing that makes the difference between losing and winning. When you have no momentum, even the simplest tasks seem impossible. Small problems look like insurmountable obstacles. Morale becomes low. ” It is just so hard to get going- like sitting on a swing, completely still- and trying to get started. “On the other hand, when you have momentum on your side, the future looks bright, obstacles appear small, and troubles seem inconsequential.” How easy is it to keep swinging once you are already going nice and high?

1. Momentum is the great exaggerator. When a team is on a roll, everything seems to work out. Every goal seems to be met. Every problem seems easily solved. Conversely, when a team is in a slump, with no momentum, nothing seems to work out. Every obstacle seems huge and difficult to overcome.

2. Momentum makes leaders look better than they are. When leaders have momentum on their side, they seem like geniuses. People are more willing to overlook mistakes and weaknesses. Young leaders often don’t get the credit they deserve…they do not yet have momentum…so, they don’t seem as capable.

3. Momentum helps followers perform better than they are. With strong leadership and momentum, team members will be motivated and inspired to perform at higher levels.

4. Momentum is easier to steer than to start. It is much easier to keep swinging high than it is to start swinging from a still position.

5. Momentum is the most powerful change agent. “Momentum puts victory within reach.” With proper momentum, any kind of change is possible. “People like to get on a winning band wagon.”

6. Momentum is the leader’s responsibility. Creating momentum requires vision, as well as the ability to assemble the right team and motivate others. The leader creates momentum; followers catch it.

7. Momentum begins inside the leader. “You cannot kindle a fire in any other heart until it is burning within your own.” –Eleanor Doan

“Leaders always find a way to make things happen.”

Applying the Law of The Big Mo to Your Life

1. Momemtum begins with the leader. Have you taken responsibility for the momentum in the area of which you are in charge? You must model the attitude and work ethic you would like to see in others.

2. Motivation is key in developing momentum. First, you need to remove any de-motivating factors. Can you identify any environmental/interpersonal issues that may be putting a damper on passion and motivation? Think about how to eliminate or change those into something nurturing.

3. Celebrating accomplishment is also necessary to build momentum. Make it a regular practice to acknowledge and celebrate accomplishments made by your team.

Reference:

Maxwell, John. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Chapter 16- The Law of The Big Mo. Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN; 2007