Five Levels of Leadership

According to John C. Maxwell, there are 5 levels of leadership. Which level to you see in you and others at your organization?

Level 1- Position- People follow you because they have to

Level is 1 is solely based on the position. Bosses tend to fall in this category in which they rely on rules, regulations and policies to maintain the status quo.

Level 2- Permission- People follow you because they want to.

This level is all about building relationships where leaders like and treat people with respect. Leaders spend time figuring how to get along with people and  develop long-lasting relationships.

Level 3-Production- People follow you because what you have done for the organization.

Often, moral improves and people enjoy coming to work to achieve goals. Level 3 leaders are good at making difficult decisions and following through on any issues that arise.

Level 4- People Development- People follow you because of what you have done for them.

Leaders use their power not to control people, but to empower them. They invest in their followers and develop them until they become leaders in their own right. It is at this level that teamwork is high and job performance increases.

Level 5- Pinnacle- People follow you  because of who you are and what you represent.

This is a difficult level to reach. It is here where leaders develop other leaders who then develop other leaders in the organization. This creates a positive reputation for the organization in which level 5 leaders will often create their own legacy.

Reference

Maxwell, John C. (2013). How Successful People Lead. Center Street: New York