Skip to content

​The Communication Shift: Directing to Connecting

We recently released a brand-new digital course called “Leadershift,” where John C. Maxwell teaches the 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace. The Communication Shift is one of those important changes. In fact, it’s so important that we want to share it with you now. This episode includes John’s lesson from the online course, as well as Mark Cole and Richard Chancy walking through how to apply it. 

John readily admits that making the communication shift was not a natural one for him. His upbringing, profession, and personality meant he leaned towards being a leader who directed rather than connected. However, he has successfully made the shift, and now he shares the seven keys to connecting, as well as the difference it makes in the effectiveness of your leadership and your organization. 

Being highly relational requires a great deal of intentionality. One must be intentional to listen, encourage, ask questions, and be generous—all to build authentic connection. Mark Cole and Richard Chancy walk through what it has looked like for them to put John’s advice into practice and make their own shifts from directing to connecting.  

Our BONUS resource for this series is The Communication Shift Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes and exercises from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/connect and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.”

References:

The Leadershift Online Course

Leadershift by John C. Maxwell

Personality Plus by Florence Littauer

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John C. Maxwell

The John Maxwell Online Store

Be the first to comment on "​The Communication Shift: Directing to Connecting"

Leave a Reply

Latest Episodes

Learn These Skills to Become a Memorable Leader: A Fireside Chat with John Maxwell and Jeff Henderson

Learn These Skills to Become a Memorable Leader: A Fireside Chat with John Maxwell and Jeff Henderson

Maxwell Leadership July 8, 2026

Do you want to be the kind of leader people never forget? This week in a first-of-its-kind react-style Maxwell Leadership Podcast episode, John Maxwell sits down with Jeff Henderson to share the essential skills that turn everyday leadership into a lasting legacy. As John teaches, Mark Cole provides practical strategies to help you activate John’s teachings and elevate your impact right now. …

Listen Now »
The Five-Step Cycle That Turns Failure into Your Fastest Path to Growth

The Five-Step Cycle That Turns Failure into Your Fastest Path to Growth

Maxwell Leadership July 1, 2026

Your failure is the most effective engine for your growth — and the most underutilized. In this week’s episode, John reveals the five-step cycle that transforms every setback into your next leap forward as a leader.  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede dive into real-world strategies to help you put this growth cycle into action and boost your team’s innovation. …

Listen Now »
How Great Leaders Stay Focused When Everything is Falling Apart

How Great Leaders Stay Focused When Everything is Falling Apart

Maxwell Leadership June 24, 2026

You’ve been there: Pressure is high. Priorities are competing. Everything feels urgent. How do you stay focused when you’re being pulled in a million different directions? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals the mindset and habits that empower leaders to bring stability and hope to the seasons that matter most.  After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede provide practical strategies you…

Listen Now »

Find An Episode

Search the Maxwell Leadership Podcast Network for the episode you’re looking for!

Filter Results
Podcast
Maxwell Leadership Podcast