The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Week 14: Law 13 — The Law of the Picture
Read Chapter 13 of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Key concept: people do what people see.
Previewing Week 14 of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
Read 3 of 6 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 23-week guide when you’re ready.
The Law of the Picture is one of the most sobering laws in the book because it closes the loophole every leader wishes existed — the loophole that says "do as I say, not as I do."
Discussion Questions
6 questions1.Maxwell's principle is direct: "People do what people see." Before you can cast a vision, before you can give instructions, before you can issue expectations — you are already communicating through your behavior. What picture are you currently painting for the people you lead?
2.Maxwell uses the example of Colin Powell, who as a young officer noticed that the best commanders led from the front — they were seen, known, and present with their troops in ways that built morale and modeling simultaneously. How does Powell's example translate into your own leadership context?
3.Maxwell says that the higher you climb as a leader, the more visible your example becomes, and the more it is magnified in both positive and negative directions. Can you think of a time when your attitude, work ethic, or response to pressure was magnified by your team in a way that surprised you — positively or negatively?
a.What behavior or attitude do you most want your team to adopt?
b.Are you consistently modeling it?