The 5 Levels of Leadership – which level are YOU at?
One of my favorite books about developing Leadership Skills, is by John C Maxwell. It’s called “Developing the Leader Within You”
What I’ve learned from that book, and many others, is that we’re ALL Leaders, in one way shape or form and at different times in our lives.
Whether your shy or outgoing, introverted or extroverted, at some time in your life you will be in a position of Leadership.
I’ve also learned that there’s really no such thing as a “born leader”
Sure, some people are more confident than others, some people are more outgoing and extroverted but that does not make them a Leader.
Leadership is an acquired skill. It’s something we learn. Those so called “born leaders” are simply people who’ve seen leadership modeled throughout their lives.
Most of us, develop strong Leadership Skills through training and life experience. As we work towards Achieving Your Goals, be sure to devote time to developing yourself as a leader.
If you want to start your own business, you’ll need to commit to developing yourself as a strong Leader. No ifs, ands, or butts, about it.
You’ll need to make a “decision” that you are ready to get somewhere different and do what it takes. Check out this incredible article from one of my colleagues 7 Critical Tips for Decision Making
or this one on Success Tips. They’re both awesome and well worth the read.
So what is Leadership? Plain and simple, Leadership is “Influence” nothing more and nothing less.
All of us influence others, at certain times in our lives. Sometimes more often than other times but we ALL have influence. Whether that’s in a position at work, as a parent, a spouse or as a friend.
There are 5 levels of Leadership:
Level 1 The Position Leader – leaders of this level often but not always, lead by intimidation – people follow you quite simply, because they have to
Level 2 The Permission Leader – these leaders are able to get people to do things without feeling obliged – they are more focused on relation-shipping. the agenda is not the pecking order – people follow you because they like you and you’re fun! Be careful at this level, and keep striving to move forward – highly motivated people can become restless with this type of leader
Level 3 The Production Leader – at this level good things happen – production increases, morale is high and turnover is low – people follow you because they see what you have done for the organization
Level 4 The People Development Leader – real Leaders, develop Leaders – people follow you because they see what you have done for them, others AND the organization
Level 5 Personhood – 100% respect – people follow you because of who you are and what you represent – few people achieve this level of Leadership but it IS achievable
How can you become a better Leader?
Know what level YOU ARE at this very moment.
Continue to focus on the qualities and skills you need to develop yourself into the best person and leader you can be!
Realize that people are your most valuable asset.
Place a priority on helping and developing others.
Be a good role model.
Develop personal accountability for results beginning with your own.
Do more than expected.
Learn your job description inside out
Never complain or make excuses.
Offer creative ideas for change and improvement.
I look forward to your feedback, comments, thoughts and how this article may have helped you!!
To your success and personal growth!!
21. July 2011 at 8:01 am
Good Info Micki. I think I’m stuck on #2.
21. July 2011 at 11:08 am
Micki,
Great article. John Maxwell is an amazing leader. I think he might be the Level 5 leader. I especially like the point ‘Do more than is expected’ – something that is generally thought of on the service level but is huge coming from a leader. Also ‘Never complain or make excuses’ – this has got to be the last thing anyone would want from a leader!
Thanks for sharing!
21. July 2011 at 11:25 am
Love this post, Micki! I can see exactly what level I’m at and know what I need to do to keep going! I have read John C. Maxwell’s book and it, just like his other books, has definitely helped me develop my leadership skills!!! Thanks for sharing!
21. July 2011 at 1:50 pm
What a great article Micki! Perfect reminder to continually work on our skills and move forward.
21. July 2011 at 2:55 pm
LOVE that Micki! Thanks for sharing!! It’s amazing when it’s in black and white like that to see where one is at. You are so right.. there is no such thing as a born leader. We all have it within ourselves to become a Level 5 leader.. the question is… who will?
Thanks Micki!
21. July 2011 at 3:04 pm
John C. Maxwell does have some amazing bits to give. And I too Love his book “Developing the Leader within you” Knowing what kind of leader you are and honing in on those skills to improve them not only makes you a better leader but allows you to develop better leaders as well! Thanks Micki for being the leader that you are!
21. July 2011 at 3:42 pm
Micki – This is an awesome post. I am going out to buy that book on my lunch today. At this point I am not sure which category I would fall into, but this will change over the next few days-weeks
. Thanks for sharing this Micki!
21. July 2011 at 5:09 pm
Awesome post! So true no one is born a leader but you become the best leader if that is your mindset. A leadership mindset refresher. Thanks for sharing Micki.
21. July 2011 at 6:07 pm
What a great article Micki! So many great nuggets!
21. July 2011 at 6:50 pm
Climbing the leadership ladder is definitively a continuous goal of mine. I have realized over the past couple years the best way to learn is to be open to new ideas, people and processes. You don’t know what you don’t know. I feel, learning, listening and reflection should be incorporated in every day! Great book Micki!
23. July 2011 at 3:01 pm
Great article Micki! I love that book and I know that I continually need to work on my leadership skills!
23. July 2011 at 5:26 pm
What fantastic information!! I am going to copy this down so that I can use it on my journey to a better me and leader so that I know where I am at if you do not mind. I will keep learning, but now I will have something to base myself and what I need to learn on. Thank you Micki
25. July 2011 at 8:17 pm
Thanks so much Micki for the amazing article. I too just love John C. Maxwell and recommend his books all the time…:) Personal Leadership Development is Key to achieving Extraordinary things!!
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