The Law of Reproduction: (#13) – The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

The Law of of Reproduction is the thirteenth of the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. It states that:
It takes a leader to raise up a leader

How do people become leaders?

A few people step into leadership because their organization experiences a crisis, and they are compelled to do something about it, others have such a great natural gifting and instincts that they are able to navigate their way into leadership on their own.

But more than four out of five of all the leaders become leaders because of the impact made on them by established leaders who mentored them. That happens because of the Law of Reproduction: It takes a leader to raise up a leader. 

“People cannot give to others what they do not possess. Followers simply cannot develop leaders. But just because a person is a leader does not necessarily mean that he will raise up other leaders.” –John C. Maxwell

“Remember that the Law of Empowerment teaches that only secure leaders give power to others.” –John C. Maxwell

“The problem with the old follow-the-leader games is that to win, you had to make the other guy lose. That’s opposite of the way you raise up leaders. To keep others down, you have to go down with them.” –John C. Maxwell

Raising up Giant Killers

Almost everyone has heard the story of David and Goliath, and how David stepped forward to accept the challenge to fight Goliath. It wasn’t Saul, the mighty king, or any of his experienced soldiers who accepted the challenge. It was David, a lowly shepherd boy, who defeated the big warrior.

“But many people don’t know the rest of the story. David grew up to be a warrior and eventually became king. But along the way, he raised up a group of great warriors who were called his “mighty men.” No fewer than five of them also became giant killers, just like their leader. Had Saul, the previous king, done that? No. It took a person who had done it himself. And just as it takes a giant killer to produce other giant killers, it takes a leader to raise up other leaders.” –John C. Maxwell

Just as it takes a giant killer to produce other giant killers, it takes a leader to raise up other leaders. If you want to continue developing as a leader, spend time with the best leaders you can find.

Why don’t all leaders develop other leaders?

• Some don’t see the value of developing others
• Some focus too much on followers
• Some leaders are insecure

We teach what we know; we reproduce what we are.

Keep in mind that leaders who develop leaders…

• See the big picture. Every effective leadership mentor makes the development of leaders one of his highest priorities in life. He knows that the potential of the organization depends on the growth of its leadership.
• Attract potential leaders. If you first develop your leadership qualities, you will be capable of attracting people with leadership potential. 
• Create an eagle environment. An environment where leadership is valued and taught not only attracts “eagles,” but it also helps them learn to fly.
  

Effective leaders cast a vision, offer incentives, encourage creativity, allow risks, and provide accountability.

The Law of Reproduction can have an incredible impact on an organization. If a company has poor leaders, what little leadership it has will only get worse. If a company has strong leaders – and they are reproducing themselves – then the leadership just keeps getting better and better.

THE 21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP BY JOHN C. MAXWELL

The book is divided in 21 main chapters, one for each of the 21 leadership laws. Below are the links to the individual chapters.

1. THE LAW OF THE LID
2. THE LAW OF INFLUENCE
3. THE LAW OF PROCESS
4. THE LAW OF NAVIGATION
5. THE LAW OF E.F.HUTTON
6. THE LAW OF SOLID GROUND
7. THE LAW OF RESPECT
8. THE LAW OF INTUITION
9. THE LAW OF MAGNETISM
10. THE LAW OF CONNECTION
11. THE LAW OF THE INNER CIRCLE
12. THE LAW OF EMPOWERMENT
13. THE LAW OF REPRODUCTION
14. THE LAW OF BUY-IN
15. THE LAW OF VICTORY
16. THE LAW OF THE BIG MO
17. THE LAW OF PRIORITIES
18. THE LAW OF SACRIFICE
19. THE LAW OF TIMING
20. THE LAW OF EXPLOSIVE GROWTH
21. THE LAW OF LEGACY

ON AMAZON: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership