Real Stories, Real Success: How Giving Up Can Help You Grow

When the John Maxwell Team entered Edward Reed’s awareness, he already had nearly 20 years’ experience as an educational leader.

He admits, though, that he was doing some soul-searching on what his next 20 years would look like.

At that point the John Maxwell Team was simply something he didn’t have time for. That is, until it occurred to him that, since he knew and liked John Maxwell’s work and often asked former students to read John’s books as he coached them, the JMT was “perfectly aligned” with what he wanted to do.

In February of 2015, Ed joined the team and never looked back.

As the soul-searching continued, Ed learned all he could from the JMT program and really applied it. Transformation truly occurred for him when he was able to use the curriculum to help him embrace his purpose and passion for youth leadership development, community development, and small business.

As he was running a Mastermind Group earlier this year and discussing the Law of Trade-offs, it occurred to him to ask himself, “Ed, what are you willing to give up to grow up? Will you let go of the good to experience the great?”

His next step was crystal clear.

“The universe was waiting on me to release the last thing I was holding on to, my position as the school counseling department chair at a middle school in my community,” he says. The following month, a position as a school counselor at a nearby high school became available. It would mean having to leave the relationships he valued at his previous position, but, as he emphasizes, “Growth comes from stretching ourselves to leave our comfort zone.”

Before deciding to apply for the position, Ed had the opportunity to speak with John Maxwell about John’s transition from being a pastor to becoming a leader in private industry. John shared the challenges he encountered and discussed the process he went through to move from a Level 1 to a Level 5 leader.

Ed interviewed for the position and was offered the job just 15 minutes after the interview. Now, he is on his way to becoming one of the best youth leadership developers in the world. He says, “I am giving up titles and the illusion of power to build an organization that will transform the next generation, empower families, and support the economic development of communities.”

Aside from landing a position in his sweet spot, since joining the JMT, where he is now an Executive Director, Ed has become a host of a local cable TV program, an author, a keynote speaker, and president of the Maryland School Counselor Association. He has also won a Telly Award.

More importantly, though, he says his experience with the John Maxwell Team has made him a better leader, husband, dad, and service provider, highlighting the difference in how he now works with students and parents.