5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

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Last Reviewed: 25/08/2024

“5 Levels of Leadership” by John C. Maxwell is a book that provides a framework for becoming a leader or improve in the leadership role.

1. Position: Leadership based on job title; people follow because they must.
2. Permission: Leadership based on relationships; people follow because they want to.
3. Production: Leadership based on results; people follow because of achievements.
4. People Development: Leadership focused on developing others into leaders.
5. Pinnacle: The highest level where leaders develop other leaders who can themselves build leaders.

1. Self-Assessment: Evaluate your own leadership abilities.
2. Team Member Assessment: Evaluate your team members.
3. Feedback: Gather anonymous feedback from your team.
4. Analysis: Combine these assessments to determine your current leadership level.

1. Build on Previous Levels: Each level builds on the previous one.
2. Dynamic Leadership: Leadership levels may vary with different team members.
3. Higher Levels Ease Leadership: The higher the level, the easier leadership becomes.
4. No Shortcuts: Advancing requires effort and time.
5. Risk of Regression: Falling levels is easier and faster than rising.
6. Greater Returns at Higher Levels: Higher levels yield more substantial returns.
7. Growth is Essential: Advancement requires continuous personal growth.
8. Impact on Team: Stagnation limits both you and your team.
9. Changing Organizations Affects Level: A new position may reset your leadership level.
10. You Cannot Climb Alone: Leadership development is a collective journey.

Level 1: Position

• Upsides: Start of leadership journey, self-reflection on leadership style.
• Downsides: Limited influence; team follows due to obligation, not respect.
• Tips: Focus on self-development and helping others; initiate engagement.

Level 2: Permission

• Upsides: Builds trust and positive relationships; enhances team communication.
• Downsides: Can appear weak if too relationship-focused; risk of being taken advantage of.
• Tips: Develop a people-oriented leadership style; balance care with candor.

Level 3: Production

• Upsides: Increases credibility; boosts team results and momentum.
• Downsides: Risk of overestimating leadership ability; pressure to maintain results.
• Tips: Focus on strengths, clear vision, and collaborative team efforts.

Level 4: People Development

• Upsides: Empowers others, sustains success, and provides personal fulfillment.
• Downsides: Requires long-term focus; insecure leaders may feel threatened.
• Tips: Recruit the best, model leadership, coach, and empower others.

Level 5: Pinnacle

• Upsides: Extends leadership influence, creates legacy, and develops a level 5 organization.
• Downsides: Risk of complacency; requires continuous focus and humility.
• Tips: Stay humble, plan succession, focus on core strengths, and maintain learning.