Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 0-147 (Leadership Issues)

WINNING ATTITUDE: A Postscript

In CLM 788 (18 Feb 1999) Rowland Croucher, the CLM List Founder, reviewed John Maxwell’s book _The Winning Attitude: Your Pathway to Personal Success_ Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1993.

In the review, Rowland wrote:

….He’s half right.

So what’s the half he didn’t get right? Well, as I was reading this ‘Go go go’ book I thought to myself, ‘Here’s a recipe for an early heart attack.’

Rowland then noted a news item from Religion Today News Service on 7 Jan 1999:

JOHN MAXWELL HAS EXPERIENCED A HEART ATTACK. Christian motivational speaker John Maxwell is recovering from a heart attack. Maxwell, 51, became ill Dec. 18 during a Christmas party given by his Injoy ministry staff· Doctors advised Maxwell to change his diet and get more exercise. He is expected to resume a full, but lighter schedule this month· Injoy, based in El Cajon, Calif., is a leadership institute that offers training seminars and self-study programs. Maxwell’s latest book is 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (Thomas Nelson Publishers).

Well, that’s one way to publicise your new book!’

~~~

A year and a half on, has John Maxwell learned anything?

A few months ago John circulated a tape to his subscribers listing the ten insights he’s gained from this painful experience.

The headlines:

1. The most important ‘winning attitude’ is gratefulness.

2. You can’t tell the people you love you love them enough!

3. We Christians ought to be better stewards of our bodies.

4. We need to learn the grace of receiving, as well as of giving.

5. There’s nothing more precious than the prayers of God’s people.

6. ‘I have learned to focus on what I have, not on what I lost. Selp-pity is never helpful.’

7. Developing a solid team has paid off. ‘It’s been our best year – with me having a heart attack!’

8. ‘I’ve learned to put my family first.’

9. ‘I now look forward to and make the most of difficult situations. Of course life is not as it’s supposed to be. It just is.’ When the wise men found the King in a stable, they knew God was in it; they offered Him their best; and they went home by a different route: they were not the same again.

10. ‘God’s hand is on my life. If you’re still on earth it isn’t finished.’

It’s a tape worth listening to. Contact John at http://www.equiporg.org or (US) 888 993-7847. The Downunder contacts for John Maxwell INJOY and MAXIMUM IMPACT tapes are: New Zealand Toll Free 0800102494 and Australia Free Call 1800 145675.

~~~

A personal message from Rowland:

A year and a half on (from writing the review) have I learnt anything? After a four-month sabbatical enjoying Australia’s beautiful desert, I’d say ‘Too right’.

I’m now back in harness, and am available for speaking/counseling ministries.

Love and peace

Rowland Croucher ()