Leadership books remind me of cooking, there are a finite number of common ingredients that make up the majority of dishes, but there seems to be an infinite number of ways to combine and present these ingredients. This is an excellent first or second leadership book. Don't expect to see anything truly novel in any of the laws, but the total package is a tasty dish, I chose to read this book twice before writing this review. Maxwell uses stories from his church experience, sports, famous figures in history and business acquaintances to bring the laws to life. If you have been studying leadership seriously for a long time, you might choose to pass on this one, but it is a fast read and well written. My favorite line in the book is on page 190, "If leaders have to give up to go up, then they have to give up even more to stay up." In an amazing twist, I just finished reading this chapter for the second time when it was time to leave my hotel room at Caesar's Palace to go catch the Elton John Red Piano show. That night he sang a song, The Bridge, from his new album, THE CAPTAIN AND THE KID, where the chorus is: "And every one of us has to face that day Do you cross the bridge or do you fade away And every one of us that ever came to play Has to cross the bridge or fade away". I did not get to sleep easily that night as I wondered what might be required of me in the coming weeks! I am not going to write about all 21 laws, but here are a few worth noting, the book opens with the Law of the Lid, which is essentially if you do not surround yourself with the very best people then you will limit what you can accomplish. We modify this later with rule 7, the law of respect, where people follow leaders stronger than themselves. And we end on law 21, the law of legacy, where the value of the leader is tested by time and whether or not he succeeded with succession.

It's an easy read. I enjoyed the challenges, in the book, to improve your leadership skills.

Whether you’re a leader, or a future leader, this book is a must read! I learned so much about myself while also learning the best ways to handle situations, peers and other challenges you may face in real life. I felt that this book here has been the key to unlocking a new level to my success as a leader.

John C. Maxwell’s book, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. Here’s a comprehensive review: Pros: 1. Timeless Principles: The book presents 21 laws that are timeless and applicable across various leadership contexts. Each law is illustrated with real-life examples, making the concepts easy to understand and relatable. 2. Practical Insights: Maxwell provides practical advice and actionable steps for implementing each law in everyday leadership situations. This makes the book not just theoretical but also highly practical. 3. Engaging Stories: The book is filled with engaging stories and anecdotes from Maxwell’s experiences and other leaders. These stories bring the laws to life and help readers see how they can be applied in real situations. 4. Comprehensive Coverage: The laws cover a wide range of leadership aspects, from influence and intuition to vision and legacy. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers get a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to be an effective leader. 5. Self-Assessment: At the end of each chapter, Maxwell includes self-assessment questions that help readers reflect on their own leadership abilities and identify areas for improvement. Cons: 1. Repetition: Some readers might find the content repetitive, as Maxwell often reiterates key points throughout the book. However, this can also help reinforce the concepts. 2. Depth: While the book covers many laws, some readers might feel that it lacks depth in certain areas. Each law is given a chapter, which means the coverage is broad but not always deep. 3. Context Specificity: Some examples and stories are very specific to certain contexts, which might not be as relevant to all readers. However, the core principles remain universally applicable. Overall: “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John C. Maxwell is a valuable resource for anyone aspiring to be a better leader. Its practical advice, engaging stories, and comprehensive coverage make it an essential read. Despite minor drawbacks like repetition and the need for deeper exploration in some areas, the book’s timeless principles and actionable insights make it a standout in the field of leadership literature.