The 5 Levels of Leadership - "Why People Follow Other People"

A buddy of mine sent this list from Dr. John Maxwell's book, "Developing the Leader Within You." It's a good reminder that a) the quality of a leader is often defined by the people who follow them and b) leaders are often classified in more than one of the categories below depending on those who follow him/her.

5. POSITION (Title) "Rights" People follow because they have to. Your influence will not extend beyond the lines for your job description. The longer you stay here, the higher the turnover and lower the morale. People begin to limit you, to put fences around you. You can't stay here more than 2 years.

4. PERMISSION "Relationships" People follow because they want to. People will follow you beyond your stated authority. This level allows work to be fun. Caution: Staying too long on this level without rising will cause highly motivated people to become restless.

3. PRODUCTION "Results" People follow because of what you have done for the organization. This is where success is sensed by most people. They like you and what you are doing. Problems are fixed with very little effort because of momentum. (Don't let the momentum stop!)

2. PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT "Reproduction" People follow because of what you have done for them personally. This is where long-range growth occurs. Your commitment to developing leaders will ensure ongoing growth to the organization and to people. Do whatever you can to achieve and stay on this level.

1. PERSONHOOD "Respect" People follow you because of who you are and what you represent. This step is reserved for leaders who have spent years growing people and organizations. Few make it. Those who do are bigger than life!

This is humbling. What do you think? I think I know what "neighborhood" I'm in. Which level(s) best describe you?

Comments

Anonymous said…
As a parent #5 lasts a little longer than 2 years; but that is where you must learn to use your #4 skills. The kids learn to be home on time because "they want to" - knowing the death penalty awaits if they are late :)

#3 does bring loyalty - especially in a situation where the previous father was absent in all ways - physically, emotionally, intellectually, and most importantly spiritually.

#2 however does mean a lot to kids. Helping them with anything, doing stuff with them, doing what they like to do with them (even more important), helping them overcome a problem, issue, struggle; but my most recent personal experience is taking my oldest sons to a Wild At Heart bootcamp by John Eldredge. They knew beyond a shadow of a doubt my concern for them was their heart. To repair, damage, heal wounds, grow spiritually, and reach out for all God has for them.

Afterwards we talked for 9 hours in the car on the way back home - priceless.

I am working on #1 as a dad.

I will see that come to fruition with the grandkids someday. But since I have none that day will have to wait for another 15 to 20 years.
March 15, 2008 at 12:59 AM
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