GLS18 Session Notes–John C. Maxwell–What All Leaders Have in Common

The thing that all leaders have in common is this:

• All leaders see more than others see.
• All leaders see before others see.

In the 1980s, there were no leadership books, only management books. The reason we went from management to leadership is because fast is faster.

Story of conference whose theme was “Fast Forward.” Fast is faster than it’s ever been before. Forward is shorter than it’s ever been before. Companies used to have ten-year plans for their long-term goals and two-year plans for their short-term goals. Now, two-year plans seem long.

In the 1980s, there were no leadership books, only management books. The reason we went from management to leadership is because fast is faster.

Story of Olympic runner Gail Devers. John told her he could beat her in a 100-yard sprint … if I had an 80-yard head start. The key is getting started first – before.

How do we increase our “more more” and our “more before?”

1. Think in abundance.

Know that there is “more more” and “more before” out there. The key is creativity and flexibility.

• In an abundant world, there is always an answer. In an abundant world, there is usually more than one answer. Creative people believe they will find an answer.

2. Develop a process for finding “more more” & “more before.”

• Test > Fail > Learn > Improve > Re-enter
• The cycle never stops.
  • The way you learn is through practice. We ought to always be ready to say there is a better way.
  • We admire tenacious people who test and fail but keep on trying.
• Have an attitude of “Advance Attraction.” When you are set on your goal, your mind, heart and hands begin to do what is needed to bring it about.

3. Put yourself in places with people who will inspire you to see “more more” & “more before.”

• Intentionally begin to put yourself in places and at events with people that will begin to expand your heart and mind.
• Story of John’s 50th Reunion. The people kept talking about health problems and it started to drag him down.
• You want to get around people who are going to lift your sights. They have been on the mountain and will encourage you to get there.

Intentionally put yourself in places and at events with people that will begin to expand your heart and mind.

4. Intentionally grow every day.

Growth gives you capacity for “more more” and “more before.”

• Story of Developing the Leader Within You 2.0. After 25 years, he changed 89% of it. If you’re still excited about what you did 5 years ago, you’re not growing.
• When John was first learning leadership, he asked, “How long will it take?” Once he was growing, he started asking, “How far can I go?”
• Story of John’s dad. At 96-years old, he said recently, “Son, I’m so excited. I’ve got to tell you this. I believe that the greatest possibilities in my life are still in front of me.” That’s what intentional growth will do to you.

5. Always have a “vision gap” that requires “more more” and “more before.”

• Chris Hodges: A vision gap is the space between what you are doing and what you could be doing.
• Jesus saw the disciples not as they were, but as they could be.
•  How do you fill the vision gap?
  • Ask God to send you the right people.
  • Ask God to do for you what you cannot do for yourself.

Ephesians 3:20. The ceiling of my potential is the floor of “God room.” He wants to work in us and allow us to go higher than we can imagine or think.

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