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    Maxwell Leadership Podcast

    The Maxwell Leadership Podcast is a regular examination of what it means to be a transformational leader—someone who daily influences people to think, speak, and act to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others. This podcast will teach you the principles, practices, and process of becoming a transformational leader because leadership isn’t an event—it’s an uphill journey. Every week we will offer a free tool to help you on this journey, so let leadership authority Dr. John C. Maxwell show you the way.
    enJohn Maxwell333 Episodes

    Episodes (333)

    Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

    Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

    Today, John Maxwell is going to teach you ten ways to constructively face your fears. 

    A few key points from this lesson:

    •       Most fear is not based upon fact; it is based upon feeling
    •       Leaders should focus on things they can control, not things they can’t control
    •       Feed the right emotion and starve the wrong one

    After John’s lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede join to talk about helpful ways you can apply this lesson to your life and leadership. 

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/fear and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Listen to John Maxwell’s new music!

    The 16 Undeniable Laws of communication by John C. Maxwell (Use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Relevant Episode: How to Have Job Security (Part 1)

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    How to Put People In Their Place

    How to Put People In Their Place

    Today we’re talking about how to put people in their place. No, not like that! This is about how to put the right people in the right place in your organization. See, you might have all-star players on your team, but if they’re not in positions that utilize their strengths, passions, and know-how, your business is probably underperforming, your turnover is probably high, and you’re probably feeling frustrated! The ability to put your people in the right place may very well be one of the greatest skills of a leader. 

    So, John Maxwell is going to teach you three things that every leader needs to know if they’re going to put people in the right positions. Then, Mark Cole and Chris Goede are going to share some stories and application about how they’ve implemented this teaching here at Maxwell Leadership. And they’re going to offer you applicable ways for you to apply this to your own leadership.

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “How to Put People In Their Place Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Place and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John C. Maxwell (Use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon with Ron Simmons

    Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon with Ron Simmons

    Today we’re excited to invite Mark Cole and John Maxwell’s good friend, Ron Simmons, onto the podcast. Ron has many years of leadership experience, and he shares some of the most important lessons he’s learned in his new book, Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon. You, our listeners, should also be excited about this book because our very own Maxwell Leadership Thought Leader, Don Yaeger, worked on this book with Ron! And, we all know how great of a story-teller Don is. 

    So, if you want to learn how to take charge and create a path to success in your life and your leadership, don’t miss this episode, and be sure to grab your own copy of Ron’s book!

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is “The Little Red Wagon Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from Mark and Ron’s discussion. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Wagon and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon by Ron Simmons

    Learn more about Don Yaeger

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    How to Have Job Security (Part 2)

    How to Have Job Security (Part 2)

    This week, we continue our two-part series on How to Have Job Security! During economic uncertainty, employees and leaders alike are asking two big questions: “How can I make sure my job is secure?”, and “Do I have the right people on my team?” This series will help you answer both questions!

    After John’s lesson, Mark Cole will be joined by Chris Goede to wrap up this series by offering practical ways that you can apply John’s principles to your own life and leadership. This is not an episode you’ll want to miss! 

    Our BONUS resource for this series is the “How to Have Job Security Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Security and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader (15% off with code PODCAST)

    Relevant Episode: Leaders Make It Happen

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    How to Have Job Security (Part 1)

    How to Have Job Security (Part 1)

    This week, we begin a brand-new, two-part series on How to Have Job Security! This lesson is for two kinds of people: 

    1) People who want to be invaluable to their company

    2) Leaders who want to recruit invaluable people to their company

    If my math is correct, that’s everyone on this planet in the workforce. Especially during times of economic uncertainty, job security and having the right people on your team is at the top of many employees’ and leaders’ minds. 

    So, today, John Maxwell is going to teach exactly how to embrace these skills. Then, after John’s lesson, Chris Goede and Mark Cole will share how they apply these values at Maxwell Leadership and how you can do the same.

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “How to Have Job Security Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/security and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader (15% off with code PODCAST)

    Relevant Episode: The Difference Between Successful and Unsuccessful People

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication

    The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication

    We have a very exciting episode for you today! John Maxwell joins Mark Cole to discuss John’s new book, The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication! You’ll learn how Mark has been a case study in the principles in this book throughout the years John has coached him to be a more effective communicator. 

    You’ll learn the importance of taking action, identifying your own shortcomings, and being authentic as a communicator. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to purchase the book and join an exclusive three-session book club with John as he reveals the lessons and stories that helped him become an exceptional communicator!

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “16 Undeniable Laws of Communication Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John and Mark’s conversation. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Action and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” 

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication by John C. Maxwell

    Join the book club now!

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    The Optimistic Leader

    The Optimistic Leader

    Today, John Maxwell is shares a lesson on The Optimistic Leader. You see, aligning yourself with an optimistic mindset can help you be a better leader and lead to greater levels of success in your organization. But applying optimism to your daily mindset is easier said than done. So, let John Maxwell show you the way. 

    After John’s lesson, Mark Cole and Becky Bursell reflect on how optimism has helped them become better leaders, and they share some practical ways you can apply this lesson to your own leadership. 

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Optimistic Leader Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Optimistic and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell (use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Relevant Series: Ordinary to Extraordinary

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    Moving from Dependence to Independence

    Moving from Dependence to Independence

    As John Maxwell says in today’s lesson, “The more we grow, the more we know we need to grow.” As we develop ourselves, our awareness of the areas in which we need to improve expands. So, in today’s episode, John teaches something that author Ken Blanchard calls “the four development levels that move people from dependence to independence.”  

    In other words, these are the stages through which we become less dependent on what got us here and more focused on what will take us there. After John’s lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede discuss their own journeys from dependence to independence and how they are applying these principles at Maxwell Leadership. 

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Dependence to Independence Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Independent and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell (use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Check out the rest of our Maxwell Leadership family of Podcasts

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    5 Questions Every Resilient Leader Asks Themselves

    5 Questions Every Resilient Leader Asks Themselves

    Today you are in for quite a treat because one of our Maxwell Leadership Thought Leaders, Valorie Burton, is going to teach you about how to coach yourself by asking five questions. These questions are ones that every resilient leaders asks themselves. If you’re not familiar with Valorie, she is a life strategist and world-renowned speaker. She is CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, as well as a Maxwell Leadership Thought Leader! She has written 13 books translated into several languages including Let Go of the Guilt, It’s About Time, and Successful Women Think Differently 

    After Valorie’s lesson, Mark Cole will join her to discuss how we’re applying these principles at Maxwell Leadership and coaching ourselves to be more resilient leaders. 

    If you would like to download our BONUS resource for this episode, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from Valorie’s teaching, you can visit MaxwellPodcast.com/Coaching and click “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Let Go of the Guilt by Valorie Burton (Use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Successful Women Think Differently by Valorie Burton

    Book Valorie Burton as a speaker or to coach your business

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    Leaders Make It Happen

    Leaders Make It Happen

    John Maxwell says, “Leadership is influence––nothing more, nothing less.” Carly Fiorina says, “Leadership is problem solving.” John Quincy Adams said a leader is someone whose actions “inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.” In other words, one of the greatest skills leaders possess is the ability to get things done––the ability to mobilize people and resources to achieve a common goal. 

    So, in today’s episode, we’re sharing a lesson from John Maxwell in which John teaches on the three main things that leaders make happen in order to achieve results. After John’s teaching, Mark Cole will be joined by Chris Goede to discuss John’s three points and how they actively apply them at Maxwell Leadership. 

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Leaders Make It Happen Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/MakeItHappen and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    Speaking of our Bonus Resource, we have recently updated our Bonus Resource Library so that you can find all of our free downloadable worksheets, newest to oldest, in one place! Just go to any of our show pages and click the Bonus Resource button in order to gain access to this updated library!

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Buy John’s brand-new book The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication

    Relevant Episode: How Leaders Find Common Ground

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    The Potential Question (Live at Personal Growth Day)

    The Potential Question (Live at Personal Growth Day)

    Podcast family! We have a very special episode for you today! On March 13th, 1,800 growth-minded leaders and coaches gathered together in Orlando, FL for Personal Growth Day. And, we recorded a live podcast that, if applied, has the potential to change your life. Not kidding! 

    In this episode, John Maxwell teaches on the Potential Question, which asks, “How far can I go?” Then, three of our Program Advisors join Mark to dive into John’s lesson and talk about how they help people discover their potential and embrace their passion. Plus, you’ll get invited to become one of our Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Members! Don’t miss this one!

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is “The Potential Question” Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellLeadership.com/Podcast.

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    MaxwellLeadership.com/JoinTheTeam

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    The Difference Between Successful and Unsuccessful People

    The Difference Between Successful and Unsuccessful People

    What’s the difference between successful and unsuccessful people? Success and failure are two of the most powerful motivators in a leader’s life. We all strive to become successful in our own ways, but sometimes it can seem like we're doomed to fail no matter what we do. 

    So, in this episode John Maxwell teaches the three major differences between successful and unsuccessful people. Then Becky Bursell and Mark Cole dig deeper into John’s lesson and why this lesson is valuable for anyone who is looking to improve their outlook and understanding of what it takes to be successful. You’ll also gain invaluable application to help you put yourself on the path to success. 

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Difference Between Successful and Unsuccessful People Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Successful and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Pre-order The 16 Undeniable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

    Relevant Episode: The Self-Aware Leader

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    Leaders Go First

    Leaders Go First

    Today we have a special episode that you, our listeners, requested! We got so much great feedback from you last month about our episode with our very own Thought Leader, Jeff Henderson, that we’re bringing in another Thought Leader to teach this week’s lesson. 

    In fact, today, we have Tim Elmore, to talk about the difference between guard dogs and guide dogs and how the best leaders are those who go first. By leading the way and confronting risks head-on, leaders can create space for progress and stability for their collaborators and organizations. You’ll also learn how going first creates honesty, trust, and transparency.

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Leaders Go First Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from Tim's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/GoFirst and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    A New Kind of Diversity by Tim Elmore

    Growing Leaders

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    Using Time or Abusing Time with Lisa Zeeveld

    Using Time or Abusing Time with Lisa Zeeveld

    Our lives can be defined by the way we spend our time. So, it’s important to ask ourselves, “Am I using my time or abusing my time?” Today on the podcast, we have a special guest, Lisa Zeeveld! Lisa, (or LZ as she’s affectionately known) is the CFO of BELAY, which our listeners should be no stranger to because BELAY has become a valued partner and sponsor of this podcast. 

    BELAY is all about recruiting the right people for organizations, which in turn, allows leaders to get out of the weeds and focus on the most important aspects of leading people. In a very real sense, BELAY gives leaders back their time! So, we’re honored to have LZ co-host with Mark in this episode as they dive into a lesson from John in which he shares his own thoughts on the nature of time and the important leadership skill of managing priorities.

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Using Time or Abusing Time Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Time and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

     

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Let BELAY give you your time back

    Download BELAY’s latest ebook, “Lead Anyone From Anywhere,” by texting MAXWELL to 55123.

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    How to Deal with Discouragement

    How to Deal with Discouragement

    Today, we’re talking about something that every person experiences in their lifetime, but not everyone knows how to deal with it. We’re talking about discouragement. In today’s episode, John Maxwell teaches how to strengthen your resilience by understanding the best practices for dealing with discouragement. 

    Then, after John’s lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow talk about how we’ve learned to deal with discouragement in our own lives and leadership. As a leader, it’s inevitable that you’ll face difficult times. But it’s important to remember that these moments are opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t let discouragement slow you down. Take the initiative and find ways to push through the struggles together with us on the Maxwell Leadership Podcast.

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “How to Deal with Discouragement Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Discouragement and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    This episode is sponsored by BELAY––the incredible organization revolutionizing productivity with their virtual assistants, accounting services, social media managers, and website specialists for growing businesses just like yours. Get BELAY’s latest ebook, Lead Anyone from Anywhere, for free, and learn how to make your hybrid workforce just as effective, if not more, than a brick-and-mortar organization! Just text the word MAXWELL to 55123 for your free copy today!

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    The Difference Maker by John C. Maxwell

    Relevant Episode: Transferring the Vision to the Heart and the Head

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    Start with Yourself

    Start with Yourself

    When it comes to life and leadership, one of the wisest pieces of advice comes from John Maxwell: "You have to start with yourself." At first glance, this idea might seem counterintuitive. We often associate growth and progress with working on our relationships, our career, or our finances. However, John says that these achievements are all rooted in intentionally developing ourselves. Afterall, we cannot give what we do not have. John teaches that success begins with understanding ourselves and knowing our purpose, vision, and values. We must become the kind of person who can fulfill those ambitions and bring them to reality. 

    So, in this week’s episode, John Maxwell shares some simple and timeless truths about why we need to start with ourselves. Then, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow discuss John’s lesson, how they’re applying it to their own life and leadership, and why starting with yourself can even build resilience during the toughest leadership seasons. 

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Start with Yourself Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Yourself and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    This episode is sponsored by BELAY––the incredible organization revolutionizing productivity with their virtual assistants, accounting services, social media managers, and website specialists for growing businesses just like yours. Get BELAY’s latest ebook, Lead Anyone from Anywhere, for free, and learn how to make your hybrid workforce just as effective, if not more, than a brick-and-mortar organization! Just text the word MAXWELL to 55123 for your free copy today! 

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell (use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Register for Personal Growth Day on March 13, 2023!

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan!

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    How Leaders Find Common Ground

    How Leaders Find Common Ground

    Today, you’re going to learn how to bridge relational and perspective gaps between you and the people you lead. In this episode, John Maxwell shares one of the principles from his book Leadershift. This principle is called the Communication Shift, which is the shift from directing people to connecting with people. One key component of this shift is the ability to find common ground. This is a tool that has the potential to take your leadership to the next level. You see, we have more in common than we have differences. But somehow, our differences tend to take precedent over our similarities––creating obstacles and ripples at work and in our leadership. 

    After John’s lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede discuss how they find common ground with those they lead in order to create alignment on their teams. They also share the aspects of this lesson that are most difficult for them, and they challenge you to join them during their growth journeys.

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “How Leaders Find Common Ground Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/CommonGround and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    This episode is sponsored by BELAY––the incredible organization revolutionizing productivity with their virtual assistants, accounting services, social media managers, and website specialists for growing businesses just like yours. Get BELAY’s latest ebook, Lead Anyone from Anywhere, for free, and learn how to make your hybrid workforce just as effective, if not more, than a brick-and-mortar organization! Just text the word MAXWELL to 55123 for your free copy today!

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Get Leadershift by John C. Maxwell (use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Register for Personal Growth Day on March 13, 2023

    Signup for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan

    Relevant Episode: How to Gather Great People Around You

    A Winner's Mindset (Part 2)

    A Winner's Mindset (Part 2)

    Today, we continue our two-part series on a Winner’s Mindset. If you missed part one, be sure to go back and learn about continually growing every day, owning your dream, and living intentionally.

    This week, John shares thoughts 4 through 6 on a winner’s mindset, then Traci Morrow and Mark Cole dive into how they live out these principles at Maxwell Leadership.

    Our BONUS resource for this series is the “Winner’s Mindset Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Winner and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Register for Personal Growth Day on March 13, 2023!

    Today Matters by John C. Maxwell (Use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Relevant Episode: Great Leaders Are Great Teachers

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan!

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    A Winner's Mindset (Part 1)

    A Winner's Mindset (Part 1)

    Anybody else out there find it hard to believe January is already over? When time seems to fly like this, it often makes us pause and reflect and ask, “Did I spend that time the way I wanted to?” It reminds us that we need to spend every day with the mindset of a leader––the mindset of a winner. So, today, we’re starting a new two-part series that focuses on “A Winner’s Mindset.”

    This is a lesson in which John Maxwell shares 6 thoughts that winners keep in mind every day. These thoughts will help you maintain a big picture mindset and help you remember the most important part about leadership––valuing others. After John’s lesson, Mark Cole is joined by one of the biggest winners we know, Traci Morrow. They discuss John’s points and offer some application to help you apply these principles to your own life and leadership.

    Our BONUS resource for this series is the “Winner’s Mindset Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Winner and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Register for Personal Growth Day on March 13, 2023!

    Today Matters by John C. Maxwell (Use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Relevant episode: Three Words That Enhance Continual Learning

    Sign up for the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan!

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store

    Vision Is a Team Sport

    Vision Is a Team Sport

    Today is a very special episode because, for the first time ever, today’s lesson will be brought to you by one of our very own Maxwell Leadership Thought Leaders, Jeff Henderson! Jeff is going to share how vision is a team sport and how you can grow your people from simply benefitting from the mission to participating in the mission of your organization. 

    The more vision-carriers you have, the more vision-casters you have! So, be sure to listen and learn how you can take your organization to the next level.

    Our BONUS resource for this episode is the “Vision Is a Team Sport Worksheet,” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/TeamSport and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

    References:

    Watch this episode on YouTube!

    Know What You’re FOR by Jeff Henderson (Use code PODCAST at checkout for 15% off this week only)

    Book Jeff Henderson as a Speaker FOR Your Organization

    Register for Personal Growth Day!

    Relevant Episode: Great Leaders Are Great Teachers

    Shop the Maxwell Leadership Online Store