21 Laws Leadership Evaluation (John Maxwell): A Review

While at Philippine Christian Books Store in Baguio City shopping for prayer books as holiday present to some people I know, I came about John Maxwell's "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership". I thought what need do I have for leadership books. I always thought I am a leader in my own right and ways. But having had some "extras", I picked one and went straight to the cashier together with my "target" purchases. In short, I bought one of the best selling books of a New York Time Best selling author in a whim. But I set about reading it anyway in the last day of November 2009, a National holiday here in the Philippines.

At the end of chapter 1 of the book there are instructions on how to apply the law discussed in one's life. Part of the instruction in chapter 1 for the Law of the Lid was to complete the leadership evaluation found in Appendix A of the book. I thought to comply but went on reading to the law of addition until I fell asleep. In the next time that I picked up the book, I took a pen and paper and scored myself. Whereafter seeing the result, I was aghast! But it leads me to a reflective moment.

The evaluation consist of 3 statements each for every law scored using the scale described as: 0- never, 1- rarely, 2- occasionally, 3- always. The scores for each statement are then added to represent your total score for that particular law. The statements are presented to determine if in our leadership moments or at anytime of our everyday had strongly adhered to that specific leadership law. For example, the first evaluation statement in the law of influence is herein quoted, "During discussions or brainstorming settings, people turn to me and ask for my advice".

The final evaluation guideline presents with three classification of total scores which are the following: 8-9, which signifies that the law scored is well into your "strength zone". Also that you can and later in the book we will understand that we should "mentor others" in this areas of strength. 5-7, signifies that the law scored have the potential for you to make it a strength. And total score of 0-4 is a weakness. The evaluation suggests help through staffing or partnering with others in this area.

Now my scores are something to be proud about. I have 2 for the first class, 11 for the second class and 8 for the third class! Contemplative thought prevented me from thrashing it. Besides, I scored it honestly as I could remember.

I was tempted, in a way to uplift myself for such a discovery, to go ahead and examine the only two laws where I scored 8+. I decided against it for I seem to be admitting into disbelief. The evaluation is very rationale and valid. And I can choose to stick to my own leadership principles anyway. But does it hurt to dampen or stifle one's confidence for the sake of good? Something valid that managed to initiate a reflective mood, I supposed, deserves a second look.

Contemplation and reflection are the very first gifts I received from this book, in particular the leadership evaluation part. For that alone, I will have fun reading it wholly again. This time though, more intently.