2. The Law of Influence: A true measure of leadership is, influence, nothing more, and nothing less!

 Points of the Principle:

John Maxwell's favorite leadership proverb is, “He who thinks he leads, but has no

followers, is only taking a walk.” Leadership is influence; without influence one

cannot lead.

Leaders Who Lived Out the Law:

Princess Diana and Mother Teresa are two of the most influential persons who ever

lived. Both had the ability to make things happen and to make the world take notice.

Princess Diana started out simply as a spokesperson for fund-raising, but she grew

to become more influential even after losing her title as wife of Prince Charles. By her

influence, she drew the world's attention to issues such as AIDS research and the

banning of landmines.

Other influential leaders are Maurice Saatchi, former CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi; Lee

Iacocca, former CEO and Chairman of Chrysler; and Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of

Willow Creek Community Church, the largest church in North America.

Five Myths About Leadership:

1. The Management Myth. Management can maintain direction. Influential

leadership is what changes the direction of an organization toward positive

change.

2. The Entrepreneur Myth. People may be buying what somebody is selling,

but they are not necessarily buying into his leadership or vision.

3. The Knowledge Myth. Mental superiority does not necessarily equate to

leadership.

4. The Pioneer Myth. The one in front is not necessarily the leader. The

leader is the one with the vision that people want to follow.

5. The Position Myth. Maxwell quotes Stanley Huffty, “It's not the position that

makes the leader; it's the leader that makes the position.”