#15 The Law of Victory

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

 #15 The Law of Victory - Leaders Find a Way for the Team to WIN


Have you ever thought about what separates the leaders who achieve victory from those who suffer defeat?  

Victorious leaders feel the alternative to winning is totally unacceptable, so they figure out what must be done to achieve victory, and then they go after it with everything at their disposal. 

Victory is the highest priority - it comes ahead of pride, ego, reputation and personal comfort.  

THESE LEADERS PURSUED VICTORY

Crisis brings out the best - and the worst - in leaders.  During the Civil War, Lincoln is regarded for surrounding himself with the best leaders possible, empowering them, and provided both praise and credit to them for victories made.  World War II brought us British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who inspired the British people to resist Hitler.  For more than a year, Great Britain stood alone facing the threat of a German invasion.  When Hitler indicated he wanted to make a deal with England, Churchill defied him.  When Germany began bombing England, the British stood strong.  And all the while, Churchill looked for a way to gain victory.  

“What is our aim?  I answer in one word: Victory—Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.” - Winston Churchill

ANOTHER LEADER DEDICATED TO VICTORY

Prior to December 1941, Franklin Roosevelt had already been practicing the Law of Victory for decades.  He managed to achieve political victory despite being afflicted by polio.  After becoming President he pulled the American people out of the Great Depression.  Pulitzer Prize-wining historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr., noted, “The Second World War found democracy fighting for its life.  By 1941, there were only a dozen or so democratic states left on the earth.  But great leadership emerged in time to rally the democratic cause.”  The one-two punch by both Churchill and Roosevelt withstood Hitler—both leaders were fully dedicated to the Law of Victory. 

GREAT LEADERS FIND A WAY TO WIN

When the pressure is on, great leaders are at their best.  Whatever is inside them comes to the surface.  

YOU CAN SEE IT EVERYDAY

It’s oftentimes most visible in sports.  

Example: Michael Jordan

When the game was on the line, Jordan found a way for the team to win.  This mentality was evident not just during games but also during practice and scrimmages.

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT “GAME” YOU’RE IN

Good leaders find a way for their teams to win.

THREE COMPONENTS OF VICTORY

  1. Unity of Vision - A team doesn’t win the championship if its players have different agendas.  
  2. Diversity of Skills - Organizations require diverse talents to succeed. 
  3. A Leader Dedicated to Victory and Raising People to Their Potential - “You’ve got to have great athletes to win.  I don’t care who the coach is.  You can’t win without good athletes, but you can lose with them.  This is where coaching makes the difference.” - Lou Holtz 

THE LAW OF VICTORY IS YOUR BUSINESS

Leaders who practice the Law of Victory have no Plan B.  That keeps them fighting.  
#15 The Law of Victory - Leaders Find a Way for the Team to WIN

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