Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

May 3, 2010
Full of anecdotes from readers of his books (including Encouragement Changes Everything) and his website (www.JohnMaxwellonLeadership.com), the latest self-help from prolific bestseller Maxwell is so readable, audiences may not realize until the end that it contains little in the way of practical advice. Instead, Maxwell offers vague platitudes like, "eing a giver is usually a win-win. It can energize you while it helps others," without providing the meaning or context to make proper advice (what would "a giver" look like in conversation? How can readers become givers?). A great deal of the book is devoted to first-person anecdotes by those who have worked with Maxwell and his books, who make much of Maxwell's skills, but little of the steps they took to improve their own communication abilities. Those looking for concrete help won't find it here; Maxwell doesn't get much more specific than when he writes, "Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them."