#13 The Law of Reproduction

#13 The Law of Reproduction - It Takes a Leader to Raise Up a Leader

From the book “The 21 Laws of Leadership” by John C. Maxwell

HOW THEY BECAME LEADERS

10% Are Naturally Gifted

5% Lead as a Result of Crisis                               

85% Lead by Influence Gained From Another Leader

More than 4 out of 5 leaders emerge as a result of the impact made by leaders who mentored them.

MANY FOLLOW IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS

Just about every successful leader has spent time working with another strong leader who helped teach and model for them.  It takes a leader to raise up a leader.  

SOME DO IT, SOME DON’T

People cannot give to others what they themselves do not possess.  Followers simply cannot develop leaders.  

RAISING UP GIANT KILLERS

Example - David vs. Goliath

This is the ultimate underdog story which took place in ancient Israel.  What most people do not know is what happened afterwards.  David grew up to become a warrior and eventually became king.  Along the way, he raised up a group of great warriors who he called his “mighty men.”  5 of these men also became giant killers, just like their leader. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Here is an excellent TedX talk articulating why this story may not quite be the underdog story we all think it is.

WE TEACH WHAT WE KNOW - WE REPRODUCE WHAT WE ARE

If you want to be a great leader, you need to spend time with the best leaders you can find.  If you are just starting out, you may want to spend time with people in your field so that you can master the basics of your profession.  After you have this foundation, learn leadership from other professions.  

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

The only way you will be able to develop other leaders is to become a better leader yourself.  Leaders who develop leaders see the big picture…Effective leadership mentors make the development of leaders one of their highest priorities in life.  They know that the potential of the organization depends on the growth of its leadership.  The more leaders there are, the greater its chance of success.  

ATTRACT POTENTIAL LEADERS

“Leaders don’t flock.  You have to find them one at a time.” - Ross Perot

The Law of Magnetism  also suggests, if you first develop your leadership qualities, you will be capable of attracting people with leadership potential.  When you do that and also earn their respect, you will get the opportunity to develop them into better leaders. 

CREATE AN EAGLE ENVIRONMENT

An environment where leadership is valued and taught becomes an asset to a leadership mentor.  It attracts “eagles” but also helps them learn to fly.  An eagle environment is one where a leader casts a vision, offers incentives, encourages creativity, allows risks, and provides accountability.  Leaders that do this long enough develop a leadership culture where eagles begin to flock. 

THE IMPACT CARRIES OVER

Organizations that have strong leadership and development processes drive their businesses to the highest level - but it also overflows into other businesses. That is the case with Jack Welch during his run at General Electric.  The company lost more leaders capable of running organizations than most other good companies are able to produce in their lifetimes.  20 of his leaders went on to become CEOs of other companies (including GE spin-offs).  Despite this, GE was one of the best run companies in the world during Jack Welch’s tenure.  

It all starts at the top because it takes a leader to raise up another leader.  Followers can’t do it.  Neither can institutional programs.  It takes one to know one, show one, and grow one.  That is the Law of Reproduction. 

Here is a link to obtain this wonderful read.

I hope this book provides you with guidance along your journey.