MANILA, Philippines — One of my favorite authors is John C. Maxwell. His books on leadership are best sellers. His book titled 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership has sold more than half a million copies. What makes his book on leadership as well as on personal effectiveness different from others is his consistent reference to biblical verses. It is no surprise that John Maxwell never fails to quote biblical verses. He is a bible-believing Christian and has been preaching the gospel in different parts of the United States.

Let me share with you some quotes from his different books on leadership:

• Outstanding leaders appeal to the hearts of their followers, not their minds.

• If you reflect on the most well-remembered political leaders in American history, you’ll find men who were able to grip the hearts of the people: Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan. It’s not about partisanship. It’s about the ability to cast a vision, to empathize, to spark hope, to speak to the heart. It’s not that these leaders didn’t use logic; they just traveled beyond logic, to win the hearts of their audience.

• Leadership is not wielding authority – it’s empowering people. Leadership is not about a power trip, but about giving power to the people under you. It’s about giving them the tools they need to do the job. Too many leaders make the mistake of thinking when they reach the top, it means they can use their position and power to force certain behaviors from their subordinates.

• Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people.

• One of the buzzwords of the 90’s was the word “empower”. It simply means to give your power away. This is what people are longing for their leaders to do. The truth is echoed by Jesus in Matthew 20:26. Which says “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.”

• The basis of life is people and how they relate to each other. Our success, fulfillment, and happiness depends upon our ability to relate effectively.

• A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others do.

Hopefully, this article will remind us (especially those who are holding high positions in the government, and are wielding authority and power over their subordinates in the offices as well as extending service to the public) to use power to help others. Not to abuse power. Not to utilize it for self-gain. Not to harass others.

Let us also remember that power is not forever. Also, it is not enough to be reading books on leadership. The principles of successful leadership have to be practised and applied in our daily life.

I will end with one of John Maxwell’s favorite leadership proverb quoted in his book titled The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk. If you can’t influence others, they won’t follow you. And if they won’t follow, you’re not a leader. That’s the Law of Influence. No matter what anybody else tells you, remember that leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.” Attaining that so-called influence needs more than logic.”

Have a joyful day!