The Intentional Leader: Harnessing the Power of Purpose and Planning.

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“The Power of Intentional Leadership” by John C. Maxwell is a must-read for anyone looking to become a more effective leader and bring about positive change in their organization and community. This book offers a wealth of practical advice and strategies for leaders who want to take their leadership skills to the next level. From setting and achieving goals, to building a strong team and fostering a positive organizational culture, Maxwell covers all the essential elements of effective leadership. The author explores the key concepts of being intentional, goal-setting, building a strong team, fostering a positive culture, personal development, and servant leadership, in a way that is easy to understand and apply. With its engaging writing style, this book will help you to develop the mindset and skills necessary to become a more effective leader and inspire others to follow your lead.


“The Power of Intentional Leadership” is a book written by John C. Maxwell, a leadership expert and author. The book focuses on how leaders can develop the skills and mindset necessary to effectively lead and bring about positive change in their organizations and communities. It offers practical advice and strategies for becoming a more intentional leader, including tips for setting and achieving goals, building a strong team, and fostering a positive organizational culture.

Some key concepts that “The Power of Intentional Leadership” offers include:

  1. The importance of intentionality in leadership: Maxwell emphasizes the need for leaders to be purposeful and deliberate in their actions, rather than simply reacting to circumstances.
  2. Goal-setting and achievement: The book provides strategies for setting and achieving goals, and how leaders can align their goals with those of their organization.
  3. Building a strong team: Maxwell discusses the importance of building a team of individuals who share a common vision and work together to achieve it.
  4. Fostering a positive organizational culture: The book covers how leaders can create a culture that is conducive to success by promoting open communication, trust, and collaboration.
  5. Personal development: Maxwell encourages leaders to continuously improve themselves and their leadership skills, and to be open to learning from others.
  6. Servant leadership: The author encourages leaders to lead by serving others and putting their needs first.

1. In “The Power of Intentional Leadership,” John C. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of intentionality in leadership. He argues that leaders who are intentional in their actions are better equipped to bring about positive change in their organizations and communities.

Intentional leaders are purposeful and deliberate in their actions, rather than simply reacting to circumstances. They have a clear vision of where they want to take their organization and they work towards it with intention and focus. They are also proactive in identifying and addressing problems, rather than waiting for them to become crisis.

Maxwell also emphasizes that being intentional is a mindset and a habit that needs to be developed. He suggests that leaders can become more intentional by setting clear goals, developing a plan of action, and being accountable to themselves and others. He also encourages leaders to surround themselves with people who will hold them accountable and support them in their efforts to be intentional.

The author also highlights that being intentional is not only about achieving goals but also about being present and aware of what is happening around you, and making choices that align with your values, and being responsible for the outcomes of your actions.

In summary, being intentional is a key concept in the book, the author argues that intentional leaders are more effective in bringing about positive change in their organizations, and he offers practical advice and strategies for becoming a more intentional leader.

2. In “The Power of Intentional Leadership,” John C. Maxwell provides strategies for setting and achieving goals, and how leaders can align their goals with those of their organization.

He emphasizes the importance of setting clear and specific goals, and breaking them down into manageable steps. He encourages leaders to create a plan of action that outlines the steps needed to achieve their goals and to establish measurable milestones along the way. He also suggests that leaders should review their progress regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Maxwell also emphasizes the importance of aligning personal goals with organizational goals. He argues that leaders who set goals that align with the organization’s mission and vision are more likely to achieve success, and that their efforts will have a greater impact on the organization. He encourages leaders to involve their team in the goal-setting process and to communicate the goals clearly to everyone in the organization.

The author also emphasizes the importance of accountability when it comes to achieving goals. He suggests that leaders should hold themselves and their team members accountable for achieving the goals, and that they should provide support and resources to help them succeed.

Another key concept he covers is that of “Leadership by the Numbers” which refers to the practice of using data and metrics to measure progress, and make decisions. He encourages leaders to use data to track their progress and make adjustments as needed.

In summary, goal-setting and achievement is a key concept in the book, and the author provides practical advice and strategies for leaders to set and achieve their goals, aligning them with organizational goals and holding themselves and their team members accountable for achieving them.

3. In “The Power of Intentional Leadership,” John C. Maxwell discusses the importance of building a strong team and how to do it. He argues that a team of individuals who share a common vision and work together to achieve it is essential for the success of any organization.

He emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people, and that leaders should look for individuals who share the organization’s values and mission. He also suggests that leaders should invest in their team members by providing them with training and development opportunities, and by creating a culture that supports learning and growth.

Maxwell also encourages leaders to foster open communication and trust within the team. He argues that when team members trust one another and feel comfortable communicating, they are more likely to collaborate and come up with creative solutions to problems. He also encourages leaders to celebrate team members’ successes and to recognize the contributions of each individual.

The author also emphasizes the importance of having a clear and well-defined team roles, and that leaders should clearly communicate the expectations and responsibilities of each role. He also suggests that leaders should provide their team members with the necessary resources and support to help them succeed.

Maxwell also encourages leaders to lead by example, by modeling the behaviors and attitudes they expect from their team members. He also encourages leaders to take responsibility for the performance of their team and to provide feedback, both positive and corrective, when necessary.

In summary, building a strong team is a key concept in the book, and the author provides practical advice and strategies for leaders to build a team that is aligned with the organization’s vision and mission, fosters open communication and trust, has clear roles and responsibilities and has the necessary resources and support to achieve success.

5. In “The Power of Intentional Leadership,” John C. Maxwell covers the importance of fostering a positive organizational culture and provides strategies for leaders to create a culture that is conducive to success.

He argues that a positive culture is essential for the success of any organization and that it starts with the leader. He suggests that leaders should set the tone for the culture by promoting values such as open communication, trust, and collaboration. He also encourages leaders to involve their team members in the process of creating the culture, and to communicate the values and expectations clearly to everyone in the organization.

Maxwell also emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that supports learning and growth. He suggests that leaders should invest in their team members by providing them with training and development opportunities, and by creating an environment that encourages experimentation and risk-taking.

He also encourages leaders to foster a culture of accountability, by holding team members responsible for their actions and by providing them with the necessary resources and support to achieve their goals. He also encourages leaders to recognize and reward individuals who align with the culture.

The author also emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of service, by putting the needs of the customers or clients first, and by encouraging team members to do the same. He also encourages leaders to create a culture of excellence, by setting high standards and striving for continuous improvement.

In summary, fostering a positive organizational culture is a key concept in the book, and the author provides practical advice and strategies for leaders to create a culture that promotes open communication, trust, collaboration, learning, growth, accountability, service, and excellence.

6. In “The Power of Intentional Leadership,” John C. Maxwell encourages leaders to continuously improve themselves and their leadership skills, and to be open to learning from others. He argues that personal development is essential for the success of any leader, and that it is a never-ending process.

He suggests that leaders should set goals for their personal development, and to make a plan of action for achieving them. He also encourages leaders to seek out opportunities for learning and growth, such as attending workshops, reading books, or taking classes.

Maxwell also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection. He suggests that leaders should take the time to reflect on their actions, behaviors, and decisions and to consider how they can improve. He also encourages leaders to seek feedback from others, and to be open to constructive criticism.

The author also encourages leaders to surround themselves with individuals who will support and challenge them in their personal development journey, such as mentors, coaches, and role models. He also encourages leaders to learn from others by observing and emulating the behaviors and attitudes of successful leaders.

He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and a growth mindset, and encourages leaders to adopt a lifelong learning approach to personal development.

In summary, personal development is a key concept in the book, and the author provides practical advice and strategies for leaders to continuously improve themselves and their leadership skills, by setting goals, seeking opportunities for learning, self-reflection, seeking feedback, surrounding themselves with supportive individuals, learning from others, and adopting a lifelong learning approach.

7. In “The Power of Intentional Leadership,” John C. Maxwell encourages leaders to adopt a servant leadership approach, where the leader’s primary focus is on serving others and putting their needs first.

He argues that a servant leader is someone who is focused on serving the needs of their team members, customers, and the organization. He suggests that leaders should lead by example and put the needs of others before their own. He also encourages leaders to be responsive to the needs of their team members and to provide them with the necessary resources and support to achieve their goals.

Maxwell also emphasizes the importance of empathy in servant leadership. He suggests that leaders should be able to understand and relate to the perspectives and needs of their team members and customers. He also encourages leaders to be open to feedback and to be responsive to the needs of their team members and customers.

He also encourages leaders to be proactive in addressing the needs of their team members and customers, and to be responsive to their feedback and concerns.

The author also emphasizes the importance of developing the leadership skills of others, by providing them with the necessary resources, opportunities, and support to grow and develop. He also encourages leaders to empower their team members by giving them autonomy and responsibility.

In summary, servant leadership is a key concept in the book, and the author provides practical advice and strategies for leaders to adopt a servant leadership approach where the leader’s primary focus is on serving others, being empathetic, responsive, proactive, and empowering, by developing the leadership skills of others.


In conclusion, “The Power of Intentional Leadership” is a powerful and practical guide for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills and bring about positive change in their organization and community. John C. Maxwell provides a wealth of valuable insights and strategies that will help you to become a more effective leader, and to inspire others to follow your lead. Whether you’re an experienced leader or just starting out, this book will help you to develop the mindset and skills necessary to achieve your goals and make a real difference in the lives of those around you. If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level and make a real impact, then this book is a must-read. Don’t wait, take action today and start applying the principles of intentional leadership to your daily life, you’ll be amazed by the results.

  • Keywords: Intentional leadership, Goal-setting, Team-building, Organizational culture, Personal development, Servant leadership, Proactivity, Empowerment, Mindset, Positive impact, Vision, Values, Accountability, Feedback, Continuous improvement, Self-reflection, Empathy, Collaboration, Learning, Leadership development.