Chapters 1 & 2 | Personal Reflections
This one-pager summarizes what stood out to me in Chapters 1 and 2 of Developing the Leader Within You 2.0.
1. Leadership is Influence
Leadership is not about position or title—it is about influence. That statement struck me deeply. Maxwell says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” That’s why developing the leader within is so critical in today’s world.
Often, I find myself thinking:
“I’m not a born leader. I don’t have a title. I don’t have much work experience—so how can I influence anyone?”
But that kind of thinking only stalls my leadership journey.
Maxwell teaches that I can intentionally develop my influence in ten ways, beginning with these truths:
- Everyone has followers—therefore, everyone has influence.
- I may not always see who I’m influencing or how deeply.
- The best investment in tomorrow is to grow my influence today.
He also outlines the 5 Levels of Leadership:
- Position – influence through rights
- Permission – influence through relationships
- Production – influence through results
- People Development – influence through reproduction
- Pinnacle – influence through respect
I can grow from position to pinnacle, but I must be intentional at every level. Right now, I’m primarily influencing through relationships. My next step? Make teamwork enjoyable and commit to developing others around me.
2. Leadership Begins with Priorities
Chapter 2 introduced a powerful shift in mindset:
“It’s not about having a full calendar, but about what and who I put in my calendar.”
This resonated with me deeply. It reminded me that my true wins will come not from being busy, but from aligning my time with my highest priorities as a leader.
Maxwell warns about priority pressure:
- When everything becomes a priority, nothing truly is.
- This leads to burnout, procrastination, or misdirection.
Recently, I went through a personal crisis that forced me to reevaluate my priorities. I’m grateful to be learning how to reset and lead with purpose.
Here’s what I’m learning to embrace:
- Working smarter brings more results than just working harder.
- I can’t have it all—I must make choices.
- The good is the enemy of the best.
- Being proactive (choosing) is better than being reactive (losing).
- The important must take precedence over the urgent.
Tools to Help Me Prioritize
- The 80/20 Principle (Pareto Rule):
Focus 80% of my energy, resources, and time on the top 20% of what truly matters. - The Three R’s:
Maxwell outlines these as Requirement, Return, Reward - Make Time for Margin:
I need to intentionally create breathing space for reflection, rest, and strategic thinking.
These insights are pure gems. I feel so blessed to be on this journey of growth.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of leadership and the tools to grow in it.
— Reflections by Evelyn Asio Patra
#LeadershipDevelopment #MaxwellWisdom #BeIntentional #LeadFromWithin#CrocsToStilettos
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