1. People do what people see. They forgot my sermons, but followed my footsteps.
2. Leading others takes courage. Knowing the right decision is usually easy. Making the right decision is hard.
3. Hurting people hurt other people. Once I learned this, it was easier to “turn the other cheek.”
4. A leader can’t lead people if he needs people. A co-dependent relationship seldom grows of moves forward.
    
5. The leader’s growth determines the people’s growth. My happiest moments have been when both my people and I were growing.
6. It’s lonely at the top – so a leader had better know why he’s there.
7. It’s wonderful when the people believe in their leader. It’s more wonderful when the leader believes in his people.
8. Leadership functions on the basis of trust. When trust is gone, the leader soon will be.
9. People buy into the leader before they buy into the leader’s vision. Leaders must sell themselves.
10. Admit failures quickly and humbly. The people already know them, but they appreciate a right spirit.
11. People become like their leader. I teach what I know, but I reproduce what I am.
12. People are the only appreciable asset.
13. Problems are not my problems. It’s not what happens to me but what happens in me that matters.
14. Respect is vital to a leader. Without it, no one follows. Title or position will not help it. With it, everyone follows, and titles or positions are not needed.
15. The closest to the leader determine his level of success or failure. Mentoring potential leaders insures the leader and the organization of reaching their potential.
16. Leading people is a responsibility, not a perk. To whomever much is given, much is required.
17. Success is not having a national ministry or a large church. Success is obeying God. It is having those closest to me love and respect me the most.
18. Jesus is my friend. At times I have failed people. At times people have failed me. Jesus never fails.

–Dr. John Maxwell