Maxwell has found a formula that works. Author of the successful The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, the Atlanta-based Christian business guru is back with 17 rules for teamwork. Are Maxwell's laws "indisputable"? Perhaps. But they're also obvious and banal: the weakest link will bring down a team, teammates have to be able to count on one another, etc. Maxwell urges readers to find a mentor, "see the big picture" and be willing to work hard. The cutesy alliteration and rhyme ("The Goal Is More Important than the Role") and the tired sports metaphors ("The Scoreboard Is Essential to Winning") are uninspired—and uninspiring. Maxwell is enamored of his laws, but the sense that radiates from the pages of this book is that he is also enamored of himself; even the acknowledgements lack humility, as he thanks one assistant for "extend[ing] my influence around the world." He is perhaps to be commended for writing a book that will be accessible to the broadest possible audience. The occasional example features folks driving home from church but, despite the connection to Thomas Nelson, little of Maxwell's message is specifically Christian. Hindus, atheists and Shintos seeking leadership tips will be able to read this as comfortably as Baptists. Then again, perhaps providing flavorless counsel to a large, ecumenical audience is not an accomplishment worthy of applause. (July 31)
Forecast:Nelson will promote this title heavily in Christian media sources, with feature stories planned for
CBA Marketplace and
Christian Retailing and advertising in business, Christian and in-flight magazines. Expect this business title to be business as usual for Nelson. But change is afoot: the cash cow that is Maxwell has gone in search of greener pastures. The author recently signed a deal with Warner's new Christian line.
