John C. Maxwell Books

John C. Maxwell is a prolific best-selling author who focuses on leadership. He’s also the founder and leader of EQUIP, a non-profit organization specializing in leadership development. In his past career, he was a reverend.

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1
 Books: 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

5 Levels of Leadership

John C. Maxwell
Proven Steps to Maximize your Potential
4.3 (288 ratings)
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What's 5 Levels of Leadership about?

5 Levels of Leadership is a step-by-step guide to becoming a true leader with a lasting influence. Using engaging real-life anecdotes and inspiring quotes from successful leaders, it describes key pitfalls that may be holding you back and explains how to overcome them.

Who should read 5 Levels of Leadership?

  • Anyone who’s working in a leadership position
  • Anyone who carries responsibility in an organizational context
  • Anyone who wants to influence others

2
 Books: Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell

Failing Forward

John C. Maxwell
Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones For Success
4.5 (262 ratings)
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What's Failing Forward about?

Failing Forward (2000) provides a positive perspective on failure. These blinks draw on legendary success stories and literary anecdotes to explain the importance of failure, the advantages of embracing it and the power of leveraging your mistakes to stimulate personal growth.

Who should read Failing Forward?

  • Creative professionals struggling to take risks in their work
  • Perfectionists looking for new ways to accept and interpret their mistakes
  • Ambitious readers curious about the role of failure in success

3
 Books: Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell

Developing the Leader Within You

John C. Maxwell
4.4 (252 ratings)
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What's Developing the Leader Within You about?

Developing the Leader Within You (1993) is a guide to becoming a leader in whatever context you choose. These blinks lay out the levels of leadership, the qualities necessary to achieve them and the concrete steps you can take to move up the leadership ladder.

Who should read Developing the Leader Within You?

  • Leaders and potential leaders everywhere
  • Politicians and people with political aspirations
  • Teachers, managers and CEOs

4
 Books: How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell

How Successful People Think

John C. Maxwell
Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
4.3 (788 ratings)
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What's How Successful People Think about?

How Successful People Think (2009) argues that success is about attitude. More than just staying positive, John C. Maxwell suggests that if you want to make it, it’s time to start thinking realistically and empathetically. Full of fascinating historical examples and practical advice gleaned from today’s most successful people, this detailed roadmap will help you achieve your goals while avoiding the most common mental pitfalls.

Who should read How Successful People Think?

  • Those interested in organizational psychology
  • Leaders and businesspeople
  • People looking for a fresh perspective on success

5
 Books: Leadershift by John C. Maxwell

Leadershift

John C. Maxwell
The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace
4.5 (284 ratings)
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What's Leadershift about?

Leadershift (2019) helps leaders and would-be leaders develop the ability and desire to make the changes in their leadership that will positively boost not just their growth, but that of their organizations. It shows how, with the right mind-set and the most up-to-date thinking, we can all achieve great things as leaders.

Who should read Leadershift?

  • Leaders who want to keep up to date with current leadership thinking
  • Anyone who wants to learn how to influence

6
 Books: The Leader’s Greatest Return by John C. Maxwell

The Leader’s Greatest Return

John C. Maxwell
Attracting, Developing, and Multiplying Leaders
4.4 (164 ratings)
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What's The Leader’s Greatest Return about?

The Leader’s Greatest Return (2020) is a guide to leadership development that draws on the author’s 25 years of experience in nurturing leaders all around the world. These blinks explain how to identify leadership potential, cultivate it, and foster a culture in which organizational leaders never stop developing. 

Who should read The Leader’s Greatest Return?

  • Founders and CEOs looking to find and develop leaders around them
  • Mentors who want to better equip their mentees
  • Anyone interested in leadership and professional development

7
 Books: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell

The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

John C. Maxwell
Live Them and Reach Your Potential
4.6 (466 ratings)
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What's The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth about?

In The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth (2012), leadership guru John C. Maxwell shares his secrets to self-development. He reveals that personal growth needs to be actively cultivated; it doesn’t just happen by itself. By discovering your key values, working out a strategy, and taking small actions every day, you can accelerate your personal growth – and live a life full of joy, adventure, and satisfaction.

Who should read The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth?

  • Up-and-coming professionals interested in developing their leadership skills
  • Thoughtful individuals experiencing a life transition
  • Entrepreneurs wanting to learn how to grow their businesses

8
 Books: Change Your World by John C. Maxwell and Rob Hoskins

Change Your World

John C. Maxwell and Rob Hoskins
How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Difference
4.3 (134 ratings)
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What's Change Your World about?

Change Your World (2021) is a hands-on guide for those yearning to transform themselves and their communities. Instead of being daunted by all the problems in the world, we can identify the issues that are most important to us, and take concrete actions toward finding a solution. Even small actions can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to join us in working for change. 

Who should read Change Your World?

  • Altruistic business leaders who want to make a difference 
  • Activists who want to learn how to build a sustainable movement
  • Those who feel overwhelmed when they watch the news

9
 Books: Leadership 101 by John C. Maxwell

Leadership 101

John C. Maxwell
What Every Leader Needs to Know
4.4 (280 ratings)
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What's Leadership 101 about?

Leadership 101 (2002) concentrates the wisdom and practical advice from decades of publishing and research on leadership. Written as an introductory short course, it’s packed with inspirational examples and concrete steps to grow the skills, character, and influence necessary to successfully lead in any area. 

Who should read Leadership 101?

  • Anyone who wants to multiply their impact without working harder
  • Those seeking a life more in tune with their personal values 
  • Time-savers who like to skip the theory and get straight into practice

10
 Books: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

John C. Maxwell
Follow Them and People Will Follow You
4.4 (635 ratings)
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What's The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership about?

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (1998) collects key rules, principles, and examples from a diverse collection of inspiring leaders throughout history. We often speak about “born leaders,” as if a person either has the special X factor of leadership or they don’t. In fact, leadership is learned –⁠ and by studying what enabled the world’s best leaders to attract followers and make an impact, we too can do the same. 

Who should read The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership?

  • Managers, founders, executives, and CEOs
  • Activists seeking to make an impact
  • Anyone who wants to improve their people skills

11
 Books: The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication by John C. Maxwell

The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication

John C. Maxwell
Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message
4.4 (604 ratings)
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What's The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication about?

The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication (2023) addresses the fear of public speaking. It offers tried-and-true techniques that can transform any beginner or average speaker into a trusted and effective communicator.

Who should read The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication?

  • Anyone trying to improve their communication skills
  • Speakers addressing anyone from small groups to stadium crowds
  • Leaders and organizers looking to inspire their teams

12
 Books: Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions

John C. Maxwell
Your Foundation for Successful Leadership
3.8 (205 ratings)
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What's Good Leaders Ask Great Questions about?

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions (2014) focuses on how successful leadership isn't about having all the answers, but asking the right questions. The constant quest for improvement, innovation, and growth is what separates good leaders from great ones.

Who should read Good Leaders Ask Great Questions?

  • Aspiring leaders 
  • Current leaders seeking improvement 
  • Personal development enthusiasts

13
 Books: Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John C. Maxwell

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

John C. Maxwell
What the Most Effective People Do Differently
4.0 (220 ratings)
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What's Everyone Communicates, Few Connect about?

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect (2010) examines the common barriers that prevent authentic connection in communication. It provides practical strategies anyone can use to become better at connecting with others in both personal and professional relationships.

Who should read Everyone Communicates, Few Connect?

  • Leaders, managers, and business professionals looking for more effective communication strategies
  • Educators and parents seeking deeper connections at home and at school 
  • Anyone craving better communication for closer relationships, thriving teams, or energized communities

14
 Books: Ethics 101 by John C. Maxwell

Ethics 101

John C. Maxwell

What's Ethics 101 about?

Ethics 101 by John C. Maxwell provides practical guidance on navigating ethical challenges in both personal and professional settings. Through real-life examples and insightful analysis, Maxwell helps readers understand the importance of integrity and provides a framework for making ethical decisions. This book equips individuals with the tools to uphold ethical standards and build strong, trust-based relationships.

Who should read Ethics 101?

  • Individuals interested in developing a strong moral compass and making ethical decisions
  • Business professionals looking to build trust and integrity in their organizations
  • Leaders who want to create a positive and ethical work culture

15
 Books: The 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell

The 360 Degree Leader

John C. Maxwell

What's The 360 Degree Leader about?

The 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell explores the concept of leading from any position within an organization. Drawing from his experience as a leadership expert, Maxwell provides practical insights and strategies for individuals who want to influence and lead effectively, regardless of their formal authority. This empowering book offers valuable guidance for anyone looking to make a positive impact in their workplace.

Who should read The 360 Degree Leader?

  • Individuals seeking to maximize their leadership potential
  • Managers aiming to improve their influence and impact within their organization
  • Team members looking to expand their leadership skills and make a difference from any position

What's The Leader's Greatest Return about?

The Leader's Greatest Return by John C. Maxwell explores the concept of leadership development and the importance of empowering others. Maxwell emphasizes the idea that a leader's ultimate legacy is not just in what they achieve, but in the development of other leaders. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, the book provides a roadmap for leaders to invest in and mentor the next generation, ensuring a lasting impact.

Who should read The Leader's Greatest Return?

  • Leaders and aspiring leaders who want to develop and empower others

  • Managers and executives looking to create a culture of leadership within their organization

  • Individuals who are committed to personal and professional growth and are open to new leadership strategies


17
 Books: Mentoring 101 by John C. Maxwell

Mentoring 101

John C. Maxwell

What's Mentoring 101 about?

Mentoring 101 by John C. Maxwell is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights and practical advice on the art of mentoring. Drawing from his own experiences and extensive research, Maxwell offers a step-by-step approach to building effective mentor-mentee relationships and fostering personal and professional growth. Whether you are a mentor looking to enhance your skills or someone seeking guidance in your career, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of mentorship.

Who should read Mentoring 101?

  • Individuals seeking to develop their leadership skills and help others grow

  • Professionals looking to establish a successful mentorship program within their organization

  • Managers and executives who want to enhance their ability to guide and inspire their team members


18
 Books: High Road Leadership by John C. Maxwell

High Road Leadership

John C. Maxwell
Bringing People Together in a World That Divides
4.7 (113 ratings)
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What's High Road Leadership about?

High Road Leadership (2024) is a guide for leaders who want to make a positive, lasting impact through integrity and generosity. It has insights and advice for anyone interested in becoming a successful leader who makes a meaningful difference.

Who should read High Road Leadership?

  • Managers and executives looking for inspiration
  • Anyone in a leadership position
  • People looking to have an impact on others

What's The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork about?

The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John C. Maxwell offers practical insights and strategies for building a strong and cohesive team. Drawing from real-life examples and his own experiences, Maxwell outlines the essential principles that contribute to effective teamwork. Whether you're a business leader, coach, or team member, this book provides valuable guidance for maximizing the potential of any team.

Who should read The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork?

  • Individuals seeking to improve their leadership and teamwork skills

  • Managers or team leaders looking to create a more cohesive and productive work environment

  • Entrepreneurs and business owners aiming to build and sustain high-performing teams