John Maxwell has taught more leaders how to be leaders than just about anyone, and we are honored to have him on the 5 Leadership Questions podcast. He tells us about how he moved from pastoring into the leadership development space, shares much wisdom, and drops some absolutely gold quotes. Maxwell also shares about his new book, Intentional Living: Choosing a Life that Matters (releases today, October 6), on finding significance by intentionally trying to make a difference in other people’s lives. You will hear about the importance of curiosity for a leader, aging well and maintaining passion as a leader, depending on those younger than him and preparing them to lead, loving others well, and priceless advice for young leaders. Enjoy and be sure to order a copy of John’s new book!

Best Quotes

“It was while I pastored that I really learned to train and develop people. It became foundational to everything I do.”

“Leadership development is simply advanced discipleship.”

“Significance begins with ‘I want to make a difference.’”

“No matter who you are or what you’re doing if you become intentional you can, today, begin to live a life of significance.”

“I’m learning from everyone. Everyone is my teacher. Learning begins with teachability.”

“Good leaders ask good questions.”

“One of the mistakes we make is that we wait for the big moment. We lose our life waiting for the big moment.”

“Leaders should be 80% asking and 20% telling.”

“A lot of leaders stop in their growth because they lose their curiosity.”

“When you lose your curiosity you basically have started to give up on life.”

“We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are.”

“Honor is given to a leader for what they have done. Respect is given for what they are doing. I want to be respected.”

“I don’t have to be the person who accomplishes great things. I want to have people stand on my shoulders.”

“Intentionally every day, value people, believe in people, and unconditionally love them.”

“Nobody has ever built a great ministry out of good intentions.”

Recommended Resources

Intentional Living by John Maxwell

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders