452: How to Motivate Leaders, with John Maxwell

Jan 27, 2020

Join John Maxwell, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and leadership development expert, as he shares his insights on motivating leaders. He discusses the difference between motivating followers and leaders, highlighting seven key motivations, including purpose and autonomy. Maxwell emphasizes that successful leaders focus on recognizing and nurturing others' strengths. He also reflects on the importance of continuous growth and the idea that authentic motivation often goes beyond financial rewards, rooted in purpose and service.

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ADVICE

Motivating Individuals

Find what motivates each person individually.
Ask permission to lead them according to their motivational strengths.

ADVICE

Serving Your Team

Ask "What's the best way I can serve you?" to understand individual needs.
Develop a plan to meet those needs, empowering individuals and increasing buy-in.

ANECDOTE

Evolution of Leadership

John Maxwell reflects on his leadership journey, acknowledging significant changes over 50 years.
He shifted from directing from the mountaintop to asking questions and understanding individual motivations.

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Drive

The Story of My Life

Larry Bird

In 'Drive: The Story of My Life,' Larry Bird shares his personal and professional journey, including his decision to transfer from Indiana University to Indiana State, the heartbreak of his father's suicide and his own failed marriage, and the discipline that turned him into a national superstar. The book covers his time with the Boston Celtics, the Celtic-Laker rivalry, and his interactions with other NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Jordan.

The Infinite Game

Simon Sinek

In 'The Infinite Game', Simon Sinek distinguishes between finite and infinite games. Finite games have known players, fixed rules, and a clear endpoint, whereas infinite games, like business and life, have no defined endpoint and are played to continue the game rather than to win. Sinek argues that leaders who adopt an infinite mindset, focusing on a 'Just Cause', building 'Trusting Teams', having 'Worthy Rivals', practicing 'Existential Flexibility', and showing the 'Courage to Lead', will build stronger, more innovative, and resilient organizations. The book uses real-world examples to illustrate the benefits of an infinite mindset and the pitfalls of a finite mindset in business and leadership[1][2][5].

Today Matters

John C. Maxwell

In 'Today Matters,' John C. Maxwell stresses the importance of living in the present and making the most of each day. He argues that focusing too much on the future or past can hinder our ability to make a positive impact today. The book provides practical steps such as setting priorities, managing time effectively, building strong relationships, and emphasizing self-awareness and personal growth. Maxwell also highlights the importance of identifying one's purpose and staying motivated, even in the face of challenges. The book includes his 'Daily Dozen' principles, which are twelve daily decisions that can help individuals use their time wisely and become more successful and fulfilled[1][3][5].

The Leader's Greatest Return

Attracting, Developing, and Multiplying Leaders

John C. Maxwell

In 'The Leader's Greatest Return', John C. Maxwell shares the most important lessons he has learned about the leadership development process over the last quarter century. The book instructs readers on how to recognize potential leaders, attract leaders by creating a leadership 'table', work themselves out of a job by equipping and empowering leaders, position leaders to build a winning team, and coach leaders to higher levels. Maxwell emphasizes that developing leaders is the greatest return on a leader’s time, as it compounds the value of leadership and leads to organizational success[1][4][5].

Winning with People

Discover the People Principles That Work for You Every Time

John Maxwell

In 'Winning with People', John C. Maxwell provides insights into developing strong relationships by focusing on readiness, connection, trust, investment, and synergy. The book offers 25 People Principles that can be applied in both personal and professional settings to foster positive interactions and growth.

John Maxwell: The Leader’s Greatest Return John Maxwell is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than thirty-one million books in fifty languages. He has been identified as the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association and the most influential leadership expert in the world by Business Insider and Inc. magazine. He is the founder of The John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation, organizations that have trained millions of leaders from every country of the world. He is the author of the new book The Leader’s Greatest Return: Attracting, Developing, and Multiplying Leaders*. In this conversation, John and I discuss his work to develop leaders and the distinctions between motivating followers and motivating leaders. We also explore the seven key motivations of leaders that John has uncovered. Key Points Successful people have discovered what they are good at. Successful leaders discover what other people are good at. “I didn’t have any sudden big hits early in my career. I wasn’t a home run hitter. My secret was to get up to bat every day and just try to get on base consistently.” -John Maxwell “You can have everything in life you want if you’ll just help enough other people get what they want.” -Zig Ziglar The Seven Motivations of Leaders: Purpose: leaders want to do what they were created to do. Autonomy: leaders want the freedom to control their lives. Relationships: leaders want to do things with others. Progress: leaders want to experience personal and professional growth. Mastery: leaders want to excel at their work. Recognition: leaders want others to appreciate their accomplishments. Money: leaders want to be financially secure. Resources Mentioned The Leader’s Greatest Return: Attracting, Developing, and Multiplying Leaders* by John Maxwell Book Notes Download my highlights from The Leader’s Greatest Return in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes Ten Steps to Create a Recognition Program, with Michelle Smith (episode 80) Start With Why, with Simon Sinek (episode 223) The Scientific Secrets of Daily Scheduling, with Daniel Pink (episode 332) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.