3. Five Levels of Leadership
The Five Levels of Leadership
About the Five Levels
Maxwell says it takes longer than you think to get to the
top level—and many never do. At the same time, you
can go down very quickly. But if you have developed the
right kinds of relationships with others, they will support
you through your missteps and fumbles.
The 5 Levels express a way to understand and organize
your leadership growth.
Each of the levels build on the previous one and you can
only progress to the next level once you have mastered
the previous level. As you go higher it is easier to lead
because your influence grows as well, as your leadership
becomes more service oriented.
4. Five Levels of Leadership
What's your level now?
What's your level now?
We are at different levels with the people in our lives,
including our family members (though I hope that you at
least have a relationship with them.)
As we develop our leadership, we need to make sure our
level of leadership with someone is at the best and most
appropriate level.
Tell-tale signs that your leadership is really at level 1:
When you need to have a better job title, qualification,
school grades or even a better car.
You find yourself shouting to get things done .
When your language is full of imperatives: “must”,
“should”. “have to”.
5. Five Levels of Leadership
Shifting from Level 1
Shifting from Level 1
A Level 4 leader is someone who enables and empowers
others. "Production may win games, but People
Development wins championships.”
Maybe it’s your current boss or someone else. You need
someone who is going to help lift you up from level 1
leadership. Someone who will equip you with the
knowledge, skills and OPPORTUNITY to practice those
skills of leadership. This programme is an example of
level 4 leaders helping you.
Let’s strip you of your job title. Your qualifications, your
status and standing in the community. Now, how do you
lead?
If you remove the bottom rung of a ladder, it becomes
very difficult to climb.
