A few months ago, I had the privilege of attending the Maxwell Leadership IMC event in Orlando, where I became certified as a Trainer, Speaker, and Coach. It was an incredible experience that not only deepened my understanding of leadership but also profoundly impacted my view of people. Among the many lessons I learned, one sentence stood out and has since shaped my perspective in ways I never imagined.
During the conference, John Maxwell shared a piece of wisdom from his father, Melvin Maxwell. He said:
This sentence hit me like a ton of bricks. All people, all the time? How is that even possible? As humans, and as leaders, it’s easy to unconsciously categorise people, deciding who is “worthy” of our time, energy, and investment. But this statement challenged me to rethink everything.
Two days after the conference, I found myself sitting alone on a park bench at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, reflecting on this idea. I was reading John Maxwell’s The Charismatic Leader, and the words “Value ALL people. ALL the time. In EVERY situation” were ringing in my ears. I was wrestling with the concept, struggling to reconcile it with my own biases and limitations.
In that moment, I made a decision:
Little did I know that this decision would be tested almost immediately.
A Conversation That Changed Everything
As I sat on the bench, immersed in my book, a man came and sat next to me. He was quiet at first, minding his own business. After a few minutes, he turned to me and asked my name and what I was reading.
We struck up a conversation about the chapter I was reading, which, fittingly, was about valuing others. He introduced himself as Melvin. He was articulate, intelligent, and thoughtful, but as we talked, he shared a heartbreaking story.
Melvin had recently been released from prison. While incarcerated, he had lost everything – his wife, his family, his home. Now, he was living in the bushes, struggling to find work and battling feelings of worthlessness. He admitted that he found it hard to value himself, let alone others.
His vulnerability moved me. I could see the pain in his eyes, but I also saw potential. I told him, “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past; what matters is what you’re doing now.” I encouraged him to believe that his story, as painful as it was, could one day be a source of healing and inspiration for others.
I reminded him that he was worthy of a second chance and that every opportunity he gets is a chance to add value to others. “Exceed expectations in every little thing,” I said. “That’s how people will ask you back.”
We laughed, we cried, and we shared our deepest values. He didn’t ask me for money, but I gave him $20 before he left. As he stood up, he said something I’ll never forget:
His words moved me to my core. In that moment, I realised how often we go through life selectively valuing people, deciding who is “worthy” of our time and attention. But true leadership – and true humanity – is about valuing all people, regardless of their circumstances.
The Challenge of Valuing ALL People
Valuing all people, all the time, in every situation is not easy. It requires us to confront our biases, let go of judgment, and see the inherent worth in every person we meet. It’s a choice we have to make daily, sometimes moment by moment.
But when we do, the impact is profound. We not only uplift others, but we also grow as leaders and as human beings. As John Maxwell says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The experiences I had in Orlando, both with Melvin and at the restaurant—taught me that adding value to others isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small, intentional acts of kindness, encouragement, and respect. It’s about truly seeing people and choosing to believe in their worth.
So, I challenge you:
- Who in your life needs to be reminded of their value?
- How can you add value to someone today, even in a small way?
- Are you willing to value ALL people, ALL the time, in EVERY situation?
Because when you do, you’ll find that the impact extends far beyond the moment. You’ll create a ripple effect of kindness, connection, and transformation that touches lives in ways you may never fully realise.
Self-Reflection Questions:
- What biases or judgments might be holding you back from valuing all people?
- How can you intentionally add value to someone in your life today?
- What would change in your leadership if you chose to value all people, all the time?
Recommended Reading: The Charismatic Leader by John C. Maxwell
