Growing Edge
April 1, 1999
When Leadership invited me to compare John Maxwell's new book, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (Nelson, 1998) with Jesus on Leadership by Gene Wilkes (Tyndale, 1998), I jumped on the assignment eagerly. But when I opened them side by side, my enthusiasm faded. The books seemed seriously at odds. Since I greatly respect both men, I feared honest review might leave me "holding to John and despising Gene" or vice-versa!
That was at first glance. Once I hunkered down, the two volumes seemed less at odds and more "at apples and oranges." Reviewing them is like comparing a ship's blueprint with its operating manual.
Two Audiences
. The two books address different audiences. This distinction is critical. Wilkes speaks to spiritual leaders. Maxwell speaks to leaders in general—not just believers. 21 Laws will appeal primarily to visionary, entrepreneurial leaders—the kind who launch movements or build large organizations. Jesus … will appeal more to those who are about building people—shaping individuals into the likeness of Christ and equipping them for servant leadership, primarily in their churches and families.
Two Sources
. Wilkes draws his principles and most illustrations from the ministry of Jesus. "[Christian leaders must] decide if we will design our lives after the pattern of Jesus, or design our lives around the best thinking and experience the world has to offer."
Maxwell, on the other hand, presents conventional wisdom on leadership, illustrating from business, athletics, politics, and the military. Of course, we Maxwell fans understand that John did not choose these resources because of a worldly mindset, but because his book addresses a wider circle than believers alone.
Two Styles. In his trademark ...
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