Leading on the high road will always cost more than you think — but it will always be worth it. In this week's episode, John Maxwell prepares you for the price of leading with integrity and conviction! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share practical takeaways from John's insights so you can apply them in your life and leadership. Key takeaways: — Expect that the first time you pay the price will be the hardest. — Your account is never fully paid. High road leadership requires ongoing sacrifice. — The high road may cost you ground, power, money or celebrity. But you'll gain immeasurable growth, strength, true wealth and credibility in return. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the What to Expect When You Take the High Road Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/WhatToExpect and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." This episode is sponsored by BELAY: Leaders, stop trying to do it all yourself. The best leaders know their limits, operate out of their strengths, and set others up for success. Find freedom with BELAY — pairing you with vetted U.S. virtual assistants so you can focus on what matters. To help you get started, BELAY is offering Maxwell Leadership listeners a free download of their resource, 26 Things to Stop Doing in 2026. Just text MAXWELL to 55123 for FREE access. References: Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Strength and Resilience in Leadership Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team
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Great Leaders Value All People
It's easy to value people you like. But as a leader, affirming people's worth isn't an option — even if you don't see eye to eye. In this week's episode, John Maxwell is sharing 4 practical ways you can develop the all-important skill of uplifting and valuing others! After John's lesson, Mark Cole challenges you with 3 others-focused tasks to complete in the week to come so that you can apply this principle in your life and leadership. Key takeaways: High road leaders value all people equally, even those different from them. Valuing people yields relational, emotional, and leadership returns. Valuing people is an intentional action, not a feeling. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Great Leaders Value All People Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/ValueAllPeople and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References: Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) The Heart of Leadership Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team
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Your Motives Matter
Do you know why you want to lead? What drives your interactions with people? These are critical questions every leader must ask themselves for the good of those they lead — and in today's episode, John Maxwell is walking you through how to examine your motives as a leader! After John's lesson, Mark Cole unpacks John's teaching points so you can apply them directly to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: Motivation is about mutual advantage and empowering people, while manipulation is about personal gain and controlling people. Most aspiring leaders want to lead and be loved, but sometimes, they are mutually exclusive. To keep your leadership motives in check, regularly serve others without a title or position. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Your Motives Matter Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/MotivesMatter and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References: Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Discover how to stop shrinking & start owning your life with Thanh Nguyen's Unshrink Yourself 6 Steps to Successful Personal Change (Part 1) Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team
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Lead to Give, Not to Get
In this Thanksgiving-week episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell reminds us that effective, impactful leadership isn't about what you receive — it's about what you give. He explains how the most effective leaders focus on servant leadership, sowing into others, and making their contribution bigger than their reward. After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow share how this principle applies in today's organizations—from mentoring employees to overcoming entitlement and inspiring genuine employee motivation through example and gratitude. You'll learn how to: Replace entitlement with a mindset of service and contribution. Lead through generosity, not expectation. Turn competition into collaboration by focusing on team growth. Model selfless leadership that strengthens trust and performance. Inspire others through consistent gratitude and example. 🎯 Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode is the Lead to Give, Not to Get Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. To download the worksheet, go to MaxwellPodcast.com/LeadToGive and click "Download the Bonus Resource." 📈 Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team to grow your leadership skills and coaching business. References: Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Great Leaders Value People Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team
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Stop Meaning Well, Start Living Well
In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell teaches why good intentions aren't enough—and how real growth begins when you choose intentional living. You'll discover the difference between passivity and purposeful action, and how intentional listening can transform your relationships and your leadership. After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack how to apply these ideas in leadership, communication, and personal development. Together, they explore practical ways to overcome procrastination, practice active listening, and bring accountability into your growth journey! You'll learn how to: Move from good intentions to intentional action Turn reflection into growth and momentum Apply active listening to strengthen connection and influence Build accountability into your daily leadership habits Embrace intentional living to achieve long-term success 🎯 BONUS RESOURCE: Download the Stop Meaning Well, Start Living Well Worksheet with fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching at MaxwellPodcast.com/LivingWell and click "Download the Bonus Resource." 📈 Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team to grow your leadership and communication impact. References: Watch this episode on YouTube! Accelerate your growth with the Maxwell Leadership App (start your 7-day free trial today with code PODCAST7!) Start building your life on purpose with John Maxwell's Intentional Living (use code PODCAST for 15% off until 12/2!) The Best Thing You Can Do for Yourself and Others Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team
The Maxwell Leadership Podcast is a regular examination of what it means to be a transformational leader—someone who daily influences people to think, speak, and act to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others. This podcast will teach you the principles, practices, and process of becoming a transformational leader because leadership isn't an event—it's an uphill journey. Every week we will offer a free tool to help you on this journey, so let leadership authority Dr. John C. Maxwell show you the way.