The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow Maxwell, in his The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, examines all major areas in public administration from the unique and enlightening perspectives of history and the five "great" concepts or theories framing the specific topic, such as public budgeting, financial management, decision making, public law and regulation, and political economy. Why do some people consistently inspire others to follow their lead? According to John C. Maxwell, author of 24 books and a regular speaker on the topic, its the "character qualities" they possess. In The 21 Indispensable Qualities