50 Year Anniversary of Servant Leadership Across 180 Countries, My Hero - Dr. John Maxwell
Collation by Michael J Griffin
Mike’s Note: On August 31, 2026, Dr. John Maxwell celebrated 50 years of “lifting the leadership lids” of millions of people across the world. He has written well over 80 books on leadership, teamwork, failing forward, personal and spiritual development. I have been John’s friend since 2002 when I met him in Mumbai, India. He will always be an inspiration to me to continually grow as an ethical, caring servant leader who, like John, will never retire. John is one of the most gracious, loving leaders I have ever met who willingly shares his wisdom and insights on how each of us can make the world a better place through developing healthy relationships in our own sphere of influence. John’s leadership and vision for me to become a regional EQUIP trainer in Asia led to me also being mentored by his close friends Doug “Bapak” Carter, and Tim “Habitudes” Elmore. I am immensely blessed by John. You will always be loved and appreciated!
Below are the Maxwell books that have made the biggest impact in my life as a cross-cultural leader, corporate trainer, and a church volunteer who aspires to emulate John as the leader who always makes the world a better place.
BIG IDEA: As you review this list, choose three books that you can read this October, November and December to prepare you for a great 2027.
Leadership Books
These evergreen bestsellers serve as the foundation of Maxwell's leadership philosophy.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – His signature million-selling masterpiece defines the laws that I have applied across the world to be an effective cross cultural leader.
The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork – A definitive best-selling blueprint for leading, building and sustaining great teams. A book that must be read after the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. They synergize well together to improve your leadership ability.
The 5 Levels of Leadership – The ultimate structural framework outlining the stages of true leadership authority. This eye opener book is a must for all new leaders or managers that lead others, individually or as a team.
The 360 Degree Leader – A highly popular guide focused on leading effectively from the middle of an organization. I am an entrepreneur, but I found this book very insightful for the “corporate animal” that must collaborate and manage others, below, across and upwards in a large organization.
Leadership Gold – Twenty-six golden lessons John learned from a lifetime of leading. Each "gold nugget" sits in one of twenty-six chapters, designed to work as a six-month mentorship from Maxwell. I have found all 26 lessons to be extremely valuable as “preventive vitamins” to grow as a more successful business person.
Interpersonal Relationships
These books focus on building a leader’s networking, relationships, emotional intelligence, and people influencing skills.
Winning with People – Explores the fundamental principles governing how healthy relationships are built and sustained. I believe this book is even better than Dale Carnegie’s book, “How Win Friends and Influence People!”
25 Ways to Win with People – A highly practical, actionable companion detailing small steps to make others feel valued. This is best used a companion book after reading “Winning with People.”
The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication – A modern powerhouse guide targeting impactful public and private communication. It has more of a focus on public speaking.
Good Leaders Ask Great Questions – Focuses on how asking the right questions unlocks innovation and improves connection. John is the master of gracious, curious conversation. He does this by skilful and respectful use of asking great questions to learn more about others than “sprout off” about himself.
Self-Development
John’s self-development books are underrated. I have found them very practical to continually develop and strengthen my personal leadership on a consistent, daily basis.
Intentional Living – This guidebook focused on helping a person to develop a life of proactive purpose and meaning to live a life that truly matters. If I have a friend or employee who wants to begin to find his/her purpose or mission in life, I start them with this book and help them walk through each chapter.
The Difference Maker – This book is a quick yet insightful read that highlights how to turn your personal attitude into your absolute greatest asset. This book becomes a primer for my younger employees to jump start their career.
The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day – A time-conscious daily guide geared towards boosting your self-discipline to grow. I have read this book many times to recharge or refocus my self-development.
Failing Forward – One of John’s most beloved works teaches you how to use mistakes and failure as essential to your future success. I read this book many times, taught it, preached it, lived it to learn and grow from my many personal failures to a life of more success while on the journey of humility.
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth – The comprehensive definitive guide detailing intentional personal development. This is a great book to read at the end of the year. The laws and insights they give you can keep you on track to grow year after year and through the seasons of life.
Today Matters – A framework detailing 12 daily decisions and practices that guarantee future success. This book can be the book where the “rubber hits the road” after reading and planning your personal growth from book above!
The Prayer John Taught Me
You may know John started his career as a pastor. This prayer sums up the servant leadership life that John Maxell lives every day.
Lord, as I grow older, I think I would rather be known as ...
Thoughtful, rather than gifted,
Loving, versus quick or bright,
Gentle, over being powerful,
A listener, more than a great communicator,
Available, rather than a hard worker,
Sacrificial, instead of successful,
Reliable, not famous,
Content, more than driven,
Self-controlled, rather than exciting,
Generous, instead of rich,
And compassionate, more than competent,
I want to be a foot-washer.
Choose three books to read to grow as a leader, a servant leader, who can make even a bigger more positive difference in 2027 and beyond!
Michael J Griffin
CEO & Founder of ELAvate
Maxwell Leadership Founding Member
EQUIP Asian Associate Trainer
michael.griffin@elavateglobal.com
+65-91194008 (WhatsApp)