Early on in my ministerial career I consumed John Maxwell books like Tic Tacs. I couldn't get my hands on them fast enough. Each one seemed better than the next.

Whether it was a shift in his writing style or a migration of my own thinking, I drifted away from Maxwell. I often felt that his later writings on leadership principles where too far afield from biblical leadership principles. He seemed to overemphasize vision and goals and almost ignore (at times) the importance of individuals and pastoring people through tough times, even if they were incompetent. As a result, I haven't picked up a Maxwell book in quite some time - maybe a decade or so.

When I was given Leadership Gold, I did everything I could to suppress a disdainful sigh. I assumed I would file it away in the "never to be read" stack. Alas, I found myself reading it recently. And it blew me away! I found Maxwell to be self-effacing, humble, people-centered, and, exceedingly wise.

I took Maxwell's own advice and read Leadership Gold in short bursts over a long period of time so as to properly digest it. I'm not ready to say that I was wrong about all of Maxwell's previous works, but I loved this one. Each chapter was insightful. Please don't mishear me: I'm not saying I agree with all of his assertions, but more often than not, he asked questions that stimulated my thinking. I found myself evaluating own leadership abilities. I can honestly say that I will be a more astute leader having read this book.

John Maxwell is back on my radar. ( )