In this backstage interview at the Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2012, I ask John C. Maxwell about his new book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. He shares three of the laws with me.

His perspective on strengths is especially unique. He makes a distinction I have never heard anyone make. Though he believes as I do that you should focus on your strengths, he explains when it is absolutely necessary for you to work on your weaknesses.

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  • http://www.DavidRobertsons.com/about David Robertson

    This is a great video Mike! You asked some great questions. Of course, John Maxwell is a person who makes asking great questions easier. Thanks for sharing!

    • http://TillerFamily.org/ John Tiller

      No kidding, David.  It would be fun just to be a fly on the wall with those two in the room!

  • http://ramonbnuezjr.com/about-2 Ramon B. Nuez Jr.

    My favorite sentence is – ”don’t focus on improving your weaknesses. But focus on improving your strengths.” I love that statement. 
    I just had a quick conversation with my wife about it. In our society we have a tendency of focusing on the weakness (negatives) and not the strength.And what if as a society of individuals — we focused on our strength. Imagine the possibilities.

    • http://TillerFamily.org/ John Tiller

      So true, Ramon!  Developing our strengths is key!   I also thought the distinction that John made about the weaknesses that we should focus on (the ones that are choices) was important too.  Basically, if our character is weak, we need to get that right first.   Great stuff!

      • http://ramonbnuezjr.com/about-2 Ramon B. Nuez Jr.

        Oh! I did forget about that. But yes! I think focusing on your weakness by choice is another powerful tool. 

        Now my question is “when do we stop focusing by choice?” Sometimes our pride blinds us into over-committing even when we are not making any improvements :-)

  • http://gailbhyatt.wordpress.com Gail B. Hyatt

    John’s discussion on strengths and weaknesses (about 4:30) is worth the price of this video. … Oh, yeah, it was free. Well then, it’s priceless! I’ve never heard the distinctions he made between weaknesses of choice and weaknesses of giftedness. LOVED IT!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com/ Michael Hyatt

      I love the fact that you watched this!

  • http://joeabrahamlive.com/ Joe Abraham

    Michael, I am truly glad to watch this video clip for many different reasons. One main reason is that I am privileged to be a member of the John Maxwell Team! It’s a great place to be and learn from John and his team, and the content is vast and amazing! I am also glad to see both of you – two great leaders – sharing from your heart and adding value to each other. Just seeing that inspires me to be a better go-giver! Thanks for being a genuine leader! 

  • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

    Powerful video, Michael. I love the fact that you can go from a zero to a ten by making a choice. I had never thought of that fact, but it is true. I’ve seen it happen in my life at times. Usually that choice follows some type of motivation.
    For years I’ve worked on my strengths and made a slow steady progression. Like John’s example, I’ve probably taken some of them from a 6 to an 8 with a lot of learning, effort, and experience. And being an 8 in something is certainly worthwhile. It’s much better than going from a 2 to a 4. Probably not worth the effort.

    To give you an example of going from a zero to a ten for me is in the area of focus. As a creative, I don’t naturally do well with focus. I’m easily distracted. However, I’ve learned that by setting a timer and doing one thing for 48 minutes, I can be very productive. It takes an absolutely wasted hour and turns it into a productive one. Zero to ten by just making a choice. It’s the act of actually SETTING the timer that makes all the difference.

    When you can go from a 6 to an 8 with years of hard work, that is good. But when you can go from zero to a ten by just setting a timer… now that is something GREAT!

    Thanks Mike (and John) for helping me see this simple fact. The funny thing is how many days go by when I don’t set the timer at all. It seems crazy now that I think about it. All I have to do is make one simple click… and that click is a choice… Wow!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com/ Michael Hyatt

      Thanks, John. I really appreciate your personal example.

      • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

        I just picked up the book, The Willpower Instinct, by Kelly McGonigal Phd. I’m hoping it will give me some insights on making smart choices. 

  • Dave

    Michael~
    Thanks for sharing this. Such good stuff. Gave me ideas – which you and John always do. Thanks again.

  • http://twitter.com/toddburkhalter Todd Burkhalter

    Just finished listening to the podcast. I will utilize strategies learned here for the numerous donations and sponsorships that I receive each week. Like many I want to help but certainly can’t help everyone. As Andy Stanley would say, Do for one what you wish you could do for many!
    Thanks Michael for your wisdom.

  • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

    VERY interesting. Especially as it relates to personal giftedness and skill development .I’ve been chewing on this stuff for awhile. Thanks for doing the interview, Mike!

  • Chris Brodber

    Great stuff! Hats off to you guys!

  • Jaredcdoran85

    Tremendous, Love the insight.

  • K.Rocamora

    Thanks so much for sharing this!  What an encouragement to me… that’s the kind of leader I want to be …

  • Geraldine Del Rosario

    Indeed your words are very powerful, John. The combination of the two of you was exceptionally awesome.  Thanks for this video, it was worth watching for the second time.