In the realm of leadership, few names resonate as powerfully as John C. Maxwell. Recognized as one of the world’s most influential leadership experts, Maxwell continues to shape the landscape of leadership development.

He brought his leadership expertise to the stage, serving as closing keynote speaker at the 2025 UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership in Seattle. This spry 78-years-young man took the stage, not just as a speaker, but as “our friend,” and delivered a masterclass in leadership that left attendees buzzing with inspiration. Drawing from his vast experience and his renowned 21 laws of leadership, Maxwell shared profound insights that can transform the way we approach leadership.

The Crockpot Approach to Leadership

Maxwell kicked things off with a statement that should give hope to aspiring leaders everywhere: “Leaders are made, not born.” This fundamental belief underpins his entire philosophy of leadership development. But here’s the kicker: You can’t microwave a leader. As Maxwell put it, “You have to crockpot them!”

This vivid metaphor underscores his Law of Process, reminding us that leadership development is a slow, steady journey of daily growth.

“Leadership is developed daily, not in a day,” Maxwell said. He encouraged leaders to focus on continuous self-improvement and skill development, viewing leadership as a journey rather than a destination.

Maxwell’s perspective on the leadership journey is refreshingly humble. “I’ve never become an expert,” he admitted. “I’m still learning and still growing.” This mindset of continuous growth is crucial for leaders at all levels, reminding us that there’s always room for improvement and new insights.

The Leadership Lid and the Power of Influence

One of Maxwell’s most impactful concepts is the Law of the Lid. This law posits that an organization’s success is capped by its leadership’s effectiveness.

As Maxwell put it, “How well you lead determines how well you succeed.” He emphasized that true leadership is a potent blend of competence and values, with ethics being non-negotiable. Building on this foundation, Maxwell redefined leadership altogether with his Law of Influence.

“Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less. Don’t make it complicated,” he said. This simple yet profound definition shifts our understanding of leadership from a position of authority to a relationship of influence.

Maxwell identified eight streams of influence—government, education, business, faith, arts, media, sports, and health care—singling out education as the arena with the most potential for world-changing impact. His personal anecdote about a fifth-grade teacher who first recognized his leadership potential serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting influence educators wield.

“When you chose this profession, you chose it because you wanted to make a difference in children’s lives,” Maxwell said.

The Heart of Leadership: Connection, Trust, and Respect

In a world often fixated on metrics and bottom lines, Maxwell’s emphasis on the human element of leadership was refreshing. His Law of Connection reminds us that “Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand.” The recipe for connection? “Believe in people, value people, love people.” It’s a simple formula but one that requires intentional effort every single day.

Building on this foundation of connection, Maxwell’s Law of Solid Ground emphasizes trust as the bedrock of leadership. He distilled followership down to three essential questions:

• Do you care for me?
• Can you help me?
• Can I trust you?

Answer these affirmatively, and you’re well on your way to effective leadership.

Closely related is the Law of Respect, which states that people naturally follow leaders they respect. This law underscores the importance of building trust, demonstrating integrity, and valuing others to earn their respect and loyalty. As leaders, our actions and character speak louder than our words or titles.

Maxwell’s Law of Navigation highlights another crucial aspect of leadership: the ability to guide teams through challenges and toward goals. This involves setting clear direction, making sound decisions, and effectively communicating plans. In today’s rapidly changing world, the skill of navigation is more important than ever for leaders at all levels.

The Maxwell Mindset

Throughout his address, Maxwell’s infectious optimism shone through. “I’m never down. I’m up or getting up,” he shared, embodying a resilience that’s crucial for effective leadership. This positive outlook is more than just a personal trait; it’s a leadership tool that can inspire and motivate entire teams.

One of the most powerful takeaways from Maxwell’s talk was his perspective on self-validation.

“When you have good values on the inside, you need less validation on the outside,” he said, speaking to the importance of internal integrity and self-assurance in leadership.

Maxwell also challenged leaders to think bigger and bolder. He encouraged us to ask, “How far can I go?” rather than “How long will it take?” This shift in perspective can be transformative, pushing leaders to focus on potential rather than limitations.

As the session drew to a close, Maxwell left us with a profound reminder of our impact as leaders, particularly in education.

“We leave our fingerprints on the hearts of our students,” he said, underscoring the lasting influence we have on those we lead and teach.

In essence, Maxwell’s message was one of hope, growth, and intentional impact. His laws of leadership aren’t just theoretical concepts; they’re practical tools for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and make a meaningful difference in their sphere of influence.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an aspiring leader, or an educator shaping the next generation, Maxwell’s insights offer a roadmap for leadership development. By focusing on personal growth, building influence through genuine connections, and maintaining a strong ethical foundation, we can all elevate our leadership capacity.

Matthew Moyer is principal of Rupert Elementary in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Read more session notes in the NAESP Conference Blog.