The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Week 2: Law 1 — The Law of the Lid
Read Chapter 1 of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Key concept: your leadership ability determines your level of effectiveness.
Previewing Week 2 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 Lid is Maxwell's opening claim that leadership ability is the "lid" on everything else you can accomplish — sit with the discomfort or encouragement that brings before answering these questions.
Discussion Questions
6 questions1.Maxwell illustrates the Law of the Lid with the story of the McDonald brothers versus Ray Kroc. Dick and Mac McDonald were talented, innovative, and hardworking — but their leadership lid kept them from scaling their idea. What specifically limited the McDonald brothers, and what did Kroc do differently?
2.Maxwell writes that "leadership ability is the lid that determines a person's level of effectiveness." In your own words, what is the relationship between a person's dedication/hard work and their leadership lid? Can hard work alone overcome a low lid?
3.The law implies that if you want to grow your organization or team, you must first grow yourself as a leader. Where do you feel the "ceiling" most acutely in your current role? Is it limiting your personal output, the growth of your team, or the mission of your organization?