Developing the Leaders Around You: How to Help Others Reach their Full Potential written by J.C. Maxwell (2005) is about evaluating and developing the people around you into leaders so they can help you reach your highest level of success. The theme of the book is ultimately about “success” as defined by Maxwell and supported by other secular leaders. The book contains mention of God but lacks scriptural references with the exception of Moses. The handful of times that God is mentioned Maxwell doesn’t give practical examples for scriptural application and even contradicts some biblical principles. Maxwell also attempts to give insight on how to apply strategies of leadership but Maxwell puts more focus on finding people to serve you and your purpose rather than being a “biblical servant leader” (Wilkes, 1998). Lastly, the author offers several lists of qualities or assets that are “essential” in those we surround ourselves with so that we can mold them to serve our purpose.
Merriam Webster defines success as “a favorable or desirable outcome: also, the attainment of wealth, favor or eminence.” Maxwell uses quotes and references primarily from people who would be defined as “successful” according to Merriam-Webster’s secular description, such as Rolland Young who is quoted as saying, “I am a self-made man, but I think if I had it to do over again, I would call in someone else!” (Maxwell, 2005, p. 6). As Christians we aren’t “self-made” we don’t get to experience our ultimate “success” or outcome unless we have salvation, we will only experience this once we enter in The Kingdom of God. The only scriptural references used in the book are recommended for use to further yourself and your position within a company and ultimately reach “success”. Maxwell mentions God’s gifts, “Every person God creates has gifts….God creates all people with natural gifts…He also makes them with two ends, one to sit on and one to think with. Success in life is dependent on which of these ends is used the most,” (pp. 51-52). This sounds like a worldly take on success rather than a scriptural view; Romans 12 reminds us that each person’s gifts are different and each person is a part of the body of Christ, therefore success isn’t easily defined as each person’s success would not be the same.
One of the biblical references made early on in the book includes talking about Moses, one of the most important leaders of all time. Maxwell (2005) stated, “Moses was the greatest leader of the old testament,” (p. 11). This was a key connection to be made in the book to give it some biblical validity. Scripture does support the assertion that Moses was a key leader in the bible however Maxwell asserts that his direction on how to lead came from Jethro, his father-in-law. Deuteronomy 8 reminds us that we need to remember who made all things possible for us, it was not Jethro, it was the Lord. In Exodus 3 and 4 Moses comes up with multiple objections to following God’s calling and the Lord gave him the resources and attitude to overcome his objections and insecurities.
The handful of other references that Maxwell makes are simple mentions of God and lack support or contradict biblical commands. One of the recommendations given is spending one hour a day, one day a week with God while the other days include that same hour being spent reading a book and listening to a tape about leadership (p.115). Ephesians 6:18 says “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication,” this scripture proves that the plan suggested by Maxwell isn’t sufficient; time should be carved out each day to have quiet time with the Lord. Maxwell also mentions any member of his “dream team” must “have a heart for God” because God is such an important motivation in his life (pp. 145-146). The context of the book contradicts Maxwell’s claim, he may well have a heart for the Lord but he doesn’t mention God or Jesus in the dedication of the book. Numbers 18 and Romans 12 discuss how each of our gifts (financial or spiritual) should be dedicated to the Lord and used to further His works.
Maxwell is focused consistently on how to further yourself and find a way to gain ultimate power and authority rather than remembering God is our ultimate authority. Maxwell discusses levels of authority and acknowledges that spirituality is the highest level, “In secular circles, people rarely consider the power of spiritual-based authority. It comes from people’s individual experiences with God and from His power working through them” (p. 100). This statement acknowledges the importance that God plays as our ultimate authority, but a single mention is not nearly enough to show people how important God is in every step of our lives. The book Jesus on Leadership takes a much different approach to how authority should be asserted and experienced, it focuses on the concept of “biblical servant leadership.” BSL is finding authority through serving others, it “never begins with the individual’s wishes to better the world or attain a personal goal” (Wilkes, 1998, p. 77). We need to focus on serving others, no matter what role that puts us in as a leader. Jesus was the best leader of all time and even served and washed the feet of those who would betray him as chronicled in John 13: 6-14.
The author, Maxwell, presents several lists of suggested qualities to look for in a “dream team” member, the assets that are supposed to help you assess their ability to aid you in becoming “successful”. The lists of characteristics or qualities can be found throughout the book (p. 23, 40-42, 47-58, 198). Unfortunately there are minimal biblical references made or scriptural explanations as to why these characteristics are important. 2 Peter 2:5-10 “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”
The premise of the book is teaching how to achieve “success” rather than salvation by molding other to be just what you need them to be. Any biblical or scriptural references lack support and some concepts are not applied appropriately or are actually contrary to commonly accepted biblical understanding. Maxwell spends much time focusing on how we can reach our personal goals and gain authority rather than focusing on how we can fulfill the vision that God has for our lives. He also offers ways to form a “dream team” through evaluating other people by characteristics or qualities rather than through beliefs. As a Christian leader this book offers some great concepts to keep in mind but it ultimately contradicts the concepts within the bible because it is centered on self-service and “success” defined by wealth and personal achievement.
Bibliography
Maxwell, J. (2005). Developing the leaders around you: How to help others reach their full potential. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Wilkes, C. G. (1998). Jesus on leadership: Discovering the secrets of servant leadership from the life of Christ. USA: Lifeway Press.