The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

By Dr. Jeanene Barnett, CCOSA Director of Policy, Research & TLE and Chris LeGrande, Executive Director of OMLEA and OASSP

(25th Anniversary Edition by John C. Maxwell)

Leadership Laws for Transformational Impact in Oklahoma Public Schools

In the dynamic landscape of public education, effective leadership is not optional –it is essential. John C. Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership offers timeless principles that resonate deeply within the PK–12 public school context. Among the 21 laws, three stand out for their practical and transformative relevance: The Law of the Lid, The Law of Navigation, and The Law of Connection. Each law provides a foundational lens through which school leaders can elevate performance, culture, and student outcomes.

1. The Law of the Lid: Leadership Ability Determines Effectiveness

Summary: Leadership ability acts as a lid on the effectiveness of any organization. A school will only rise to the level of its leadership.

Application to Public Schools

In the PK–12 setting, this law underscores the reality that even the most well-intentioned reform efforts or programs will falter if school leaders do not possess the capacity to lead with clarity, vision, and resilience. District and site-level administrators serve as multipliers – or limiters – of school improvement. Investing in leadership development for principals, assistant principals, and central office leaders is critical. As Maxwell puts it, raising the leadership lid raises the entire organization.

Implication

Educational outcomes improve when leadership capacity is systematically developed. Leadership coaching, targeted professional development, and succession planning are strategic necessities – not luxuries.

2. The Law of Navigation: Anyone Can Steer the Ship, but It Takes a Leader to Chart the Course

Summary: Leaders chart the course by seeing the destination clearly, anticipating challenges, and communicating the plan.

Application to Public Schools

In school leadership, vision is not enough – planning, foresight, and strategy are essential. Whether implementing new instructional models, navigating budget reductions, or responding to crises such as learning loss or staffing shortages, the ability of school leaders to “navigate” is vital. The superintendent and/or principal, like a captain, must chart a path that includes all stakeholders – teachers, students, families, and the community. As Maxwell notes in the “Law of Influence” chapter, “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”

Implication

Strategic planning must go beyond compliance checklists and become a living document that drives daily decisions. Data analysis, stakeholder feedback, and intentional communication plans form the backbone of effective navigation in schools.

3. The Law of Connection: Leaders Touch a Heart Before They Ask for a Hand Summary

Leaders must connect with people emotionally before they can influence them.

Application to Public Schools

Relationships are central to the work of public education. For Oklahoma school leaders, connection is more than visibility in the hallways – it is about building trust, demonstrating empathy, and cultivating a culture of belonging. Whether inspiring teachers, engaging parents, or addressing student behavior, emotional intelligence is a leadership imperative. Remember that old saying: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Implication

Leadership success in schools depends on meaningful relationships. Listening actively, being accessible, and showing authentic care are not soft skills – they are essential leadership strategies that build morale and sustain momentum.

CONCLUSION:

In an era marked by complexity and change, Oklahoma leaders must remain steadfast and embody principles that withstand shifting educational landscapes. The Law of the Lid challenges leaders to grow in order to lift their schools. The Law of Navigation reminds them to lead with foresight and clarity. The Law of Connection reinforces that influence begins with relationships. Together, these laws serve as a compass for school leaders seeking to lead with excellence, integrity, and impact. ■