The Law of the Lid: Why Your Team’s Performance Is a Mirror of Your Leadership
There’s a moment every leader eventually faces—a moment where results plateau, teams disengage, or the energy in the room starts to fade. You’re doing all the “right” things, but something’s … off.
You may look outward: the strategy, the systems, the people.
But what if the lid isn’t out there?
What if the lid is you?
What Is the Law of the Lid?
Leadership expert John Maxwell coined this term in his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
The Law of the Lid says this: Your leadership ability determines your level of effectiveness.
In other words, no matter how gifted, passionate, or visionary you are—your impact will never exceed your leadership capacity.
Think of it this way:
If your leadership is operating at a level 6, your organization (or team) can only function at a 5, at best.
You are the lid. And your team will never rise above it.
This isn’t a shame statement.
It’s an awareness statement.
Because once you know your lid, you can raise it.
The Cost of an Unchecked Lid
Too many leaders push forward without realizing they’re carrying a lid that’s pressing everything down. They notice the symptoms, but misdiagnose the cause.
A rise in team burnout or disengagement
Turnover that feels personal, confusing, or unjustified
A culture where clarity is lacking and alignment is off
Projects that stall, even though they’re well planned
Decision fatigue, resentment, or avoidance setting in
Does this sound familiar?
You’re not failing. But you may be capped.
And the cost of ignoring it? Slowly eroding trust, momentum, and the potential of the very people you were called to lead.
When I Hit My Own Lid
Not long ago, I found myself frustrated with my team’s lack of follow-through. I kept asking for something, and nothing was moving. It felt like we were stalled.
But the deeper truth?
It wasn’t about the task—it was about the tone I had been setting.
In trying to be adaptable and responsive, I had unintentionally created confusion. My leadership—scattered, shifting, and unclear—had become the lid.
That moment changed how I saw everything.
🎧 Take a full listen to my story of hitting this leadership lid here .
3 Ways to Raise Your Lid
Raising your lid isn’t about doing more—it’s about growing deeper. Here’s where you can start:
1. Self-Awareness
You can’t change what you don’t name. Take time to reflect honestly on how you’re leading, not just what you’re doing.
Ask yourself:
Where do I consistently feel stretched or reactive?
What am I avoiding?
How do people experience me in meetings or decisions?
Honest questions create honest leaders.
2. Coaching + Feedback
You don’t need to figure it all out alone.
A trusted coach or even courageous peers can help you spot patterns, blind spots, and strengths that you’re too close to see.
This isn’t about criticism—it’s about clarity.
3. Stretch Through New Experiences
Nothing raises your lid like stepping into the unfamiliar:
Lead that retreat, even if it terrifies you.
Have the tough conversation you’ve been delaying.
Get in rooms where you aren’t the smartest or most experienced.
Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re expanding.
What’s Your Next Step?
If you’re reading this and something in you is stirring—pause.
You don’t need to overhaul everything.
You just need to ask: Where might I be the lid right now? And what would it look like to raise it—with grace, not guilt?
We’re on this journey too.
Please remember, you were never meant to lead alone.
Cheering for your continued success!