Choosing the High Road in Leadership

Leadership is not only about giving instructions or holding a position. It is about who we become while guiding others. After reading High Road Leadership by John C Maxwell, I felt that leadership is more than a skill. It is a moral path. It is a choice between lowering ourselves to the level of conflict and negativity in society, or rising above and helping people move toward unity, dignity and hope. This book is not only for managers or executives, but for all those who intend to rule the world of work with great expectations and relief to society. It is for every human being who influences others in daily life, whether at home, at work, or in the community.
While reading this book, I realized how deeply our world today is shaped by disagreement, division and mistrust. We often speak without listening. We defend our opinions even when they cause harm. We compete even when cooperation is needed. Many people lead from a place of insecurity or desire for control. Maxwell calls this the lower path. The result is frustration, broken relationships and lost potential. The high road, on the other hand, demands patience, respect and humility. It requires us to value others even when we differ. This simple truth touched me: Leadership is not about being over people. It is about being right with people.
One thing that stayed with me strongly is the idea that every person has worth. It sounds simple, but in real life we easily forget it. We judge others quickly. We see their flaws before their humanity. This book reminded me that true leadership begins when we see people with compassion and respect. It means treating people gently, even when correcting them. It means listening when it is easier to speak. It means remembering that every person carries struggles that are not visible. I realized that valuing people is not a statement. It is a daily practice.
Another lesson I took is the importance of understanding our own limitations. Maxwell encourages leaders to be honest about their mistakes and weaknesses. This honesty does not make a person seem small. It makes them stronger. When we admit our faults, we open space for trust. When we pretend to be perfect, we create distance. I learned that it is better to say “I was wrong” than to hide behind pride. A leader who can acknowledge human imperfection creates a healthier environment where others also feel free to learn and grow.
The book also taught me to pay attention to intention. Many people do the right actions, but their reason for doing them may not be pure. When actions are guided by praise seeking, personal benefit, or competition, they lose their power to inspire others. But when we act out of sincerity and genuine care, people feel it. Our leadership becomes authentic. I learned that the high road is not only about what we do, but also why we do it.
One of the most meaningful parts of the book for me was the discussion about giving rather than taking. In a world that pushes us to gain advantage, collect rewards and secure our place first, the idea of giving more can seem difficult. But Maxwell explains that true leadership is generous. It invests in others. It offers encouragement, support, time and effort. Leaders who give grow stronger relationships and create a culture where everyone can succeed, not just themselves. I realized that leadership is not a transaction. It is a service.
The book also highlights the need to control our emotional reactions. In serious roles or personal life, emotions can decide the quality of outcomes. If a leader reacts with anger, impatience or ego, situations escalate. When a leader remains calm, reflective and wise, others also settle. I learned that emotional strength is not about suppressing feelings. It is about understanding them and channeling them with maturity. A leader influences atmosphere more than they realize.
Another insight I gained is the idea of caring more about people than personal ambition. When we push our own agenda at the cost of others, we lose trust and respect. When we help people grow and succeed, our leadership becomes meaningful. I learned that real success is shared success. A leader does not climb alone. They bring others along with them.
The book concludes with a powerful realization: Leadership is not about winning over others. It is about helping others win. When we remove scorekeeping, comparison and rivalry, we are free to work together. We are free to lift others without fear of losing. A leader who sincerely wants good for others becomes a source of peace and hope.
After reading this book, I understood that leadership is a daily choice. The high road requires patience. It requires effort. It may feel slow. But it leads to lasting respect and deeper human connection. Anyone can lead from authority. But only a few lead from character.
I strongly recommend this book to everyone, regardless of profession or position. It teaches us how to respond to disagreement without hostility, how to treat others with dignity, how to grow through humility, and how to create unity rather than division. In a time when the world needs healing, this book offers a clear and practical way forward. The high road is difficult, but it is worth traveling. It shapes us into better leaders and better human beings.