As I explore the world of leadership, I’ve found John Maxwell’s “5 Levels of Leadership” roadmap to be incredibly helpful. These levels, from starting as a leader to reaching the highest point, give us a clear path to follow. But there’s something important that I want to talk about – something that might not be clear to everyone. It’s the idea that I can’t automatically be a Level 5 leader for everyone in my group. Authentic leadership is like an extraordinary dance of connections and growth and getting to Level 5 needs a unique way of doing things.
Understanding the Levels
John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership are like this:
- Positional Leadership: People follow you because they have to.
- Permission Leadership: People follow you because they want to.
- Production Leadership: People follow you because of what you have done for the organization.
- People Development: People follow you because of what you have done for them personally.
- Pinnacle Leadership: People follow you because of who you are and what you represent.
Leading a Group is More Complex
Being a leader of a group is not just about handling the group as a whole. It’s about building special connections with each person in the group. Each member has their own path, their own needs, and what makes them tick. This is where things can get a little tricky – You can’t be at Level 5 with everyone all at once. It is these individual differences in values that may cause you to be at a higher level of leadership in some and still be at level 1 with others. Besides, a new employee will not see you at level 5 even if the others see you this way. You will have to build your credibility and relationship with the new ones just like you did with the old ones. Hopefully, you will have learned your lessons from your experience so that you can get this new employee to see you at the same level as the others. That is if you develop a personal system for leading individuals as well as leading groups.
Guiding Each Person Towards Level 5
Leve1 – Starting as a Leader: In the beginning, you will need to show that you are in charge while making friends. To succeed here, you need to be clear about what you expect and be good at your job. For example, if you are a team leader, you should explain your goals and make sure to talk to each person in your team to communicate their role in achieving them.
Level 2 -Getting Permission to Lead: Build trust and good relationships by really getting to know your team. listen well, show that you care, and support their growth. For example, you can create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas.
Level 3 – Leading with Success: Focus on reaching your goals to show that you are committed. Praise each person’s achievements and give them feedback to boost their skills and confidence. If you’re leading a project, make sure everyone knows they played a part in the team’s success.
Level 4 – Helping Others Grow: This level is about helping each team member improve. Guide, coach, identify ones who have the potential for bigger roles and help those who can be great at their current roles. Talk with them individually about their career goals and make plans to help them succeed.
Level 5 -Reaching the Highest Level: This is when you become a true role model. But getting here with everyone isn’t easy. Some might see you as a role model, while others are still getting to know your style.
The Path Forward
Becoming a Level 5 leader means understanding that each team member is different. Some will understand and connect with me faster than others. Here are some tips for this journey:
- Be Patient: Remember, leadership is a journey that takes time. People need time to connect with how you lead.
- Personalized Approach: You need to understand each person’s needs. What makes one person excited might not work for another. You need to understand what they want to achieve.
- Open Communication: It’s important to talk openly about your goals and what’s going well or not. This builds trust and understanding.
- Lead by Example: If you keep learning and growing, others will see it. Sharing your own journey, including your mistakes and successes, helps people connect with you.
- Celebrate Progress: You need to recognize and celebrate each person’s progress. This makes them feel good and want to keep growing.
John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership gives us a great way to grow personally and as leaders. But it’s important to remember that it’s not just a simple path, especially when leading a group. By knowing this and being patient, understanding, and able to adapt you can aim for Level 5 leadership – the kind that leaves a mark on each person and the whole group.
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