The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Maxwell structures this book around 21 discrete qualities rather than presenting an integrated model of leadership. Did you find this modular approach helpful or fragmented? How did it compare to other leadership books you’ve encountered?

2. How would you characterize Maxwell’s tone and assumptions about his readers?

3. Compared to contemporary leadership literature that often emphasizes systems thinking, emotional intelligence, or organizational culture, what did you think of Maxwell’s focus on individual character development?

Encourage readers to reflect on how the book relates to their own life or work and how its lessons could help them.

1. Which of the 21 qualities resonated most with you as an area of personal strength? How has that quality contributed to your effectiveness in leading others, and what might happen if you developed it even further?

2. Maxwell argues that character limitations ultimately cap a leader’s potential regardless of talent. When you consider your own trajectory, can you identify moments where internal character issues—rather than external circumstances or skill gaps—held you back from opportunities or damaged relationships?

3. Several chapters discuss qualities that require vulnerability—servanthood, teachability, admitting mistakes.