It is a process that progresses through various levels as individuals grow and develop. The “5 Levels of Leadership” concept introduced by John C. Maxwell will help to explain how leaders progress in their roles. Each level represents a different phase in the growth of a leader—from reliance on positional authority to inspiring others to lead.
In this post, we will break down these levels and offer insights into how you can elevate your 5 Levels of Leadership capabilities. Whether you’re managing a team, leading an organization, or aspiring to become a better leader, understanding these five levels will provide the clarity you need to make impactful strides.
What Are the 5 Levels of Leadership?
A continuum of 5 Levels of Leadership—There is an ongoing progression in explaining how leadership takes place. That is the stage of evolution to which leaders adapt over time: the ways or various methods of followership and inspiring people to emerge as leaders are as follows—Position, permission, production, people development, and pinnacle.
Level 1: Position – Leadership Through Title
At the lowest level, a position or title makes one a leader. This form of 5 Levels of Leadership can be described at the most general level as it is based entirely on rank or a job description, and people follow just because they are supposed to rather than because they want to.
Though important to organizations for providing order and structure, positional leadership is the bedrock upon which more mature forms of 5 Levels of Leadership rest. In this stage, influence is derived through the role position itself. Building trust, relationships, and integrity at this stage enables a leader to transcend this kind of leadership.
Key Characteristics of Position-Based Leadership:
- Followers comply with the leader due to their formal authority.
- Influence is related to a position or a role.
- Focus on tasks and processes rather than people.
Moving Beyond the Position Level: To transcend the position level, leaders have to focus on relating to people at a different level. They have to try to add value to their team members, earn their trust, and show interest in their growth.
Level 2: Permission – Leadership by Relationship
Once leaders move beyond relying on positional authority, they begin to lead based on relationships. This stage is about earning the trust and respect of others, and followers follow the leader because they want to. This is where leadership begins to evolve from transactional to transformational.
This stage is all about building relationship-based leadership, where leaders show care and concern for the individuals in their teams, thereby gaining the right to influence others. Leadership becomes more about creating a positive environment where people feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute.
Key Characteristics of Relationship-Based Leadership:
- Influence is based on trust and respect.
- Leaders care about the well-being of their followers.
- There is open communication and genuine connection.
Moving Beyond the Permission Level: The leader must focus on results to move beyond the permission level. Though relationships are crucial, the leader’s ability to deliver results for the organization becomes the next crucial factor in leadership development.
Level 3: Production – Leadership by Results
At the third level, leaders focus on producing results. Here, followers begin to follow the leader because they see that the leader can produce successful outcomes and get things done. Leaders at this level are skilled at execution, driving performance, and meeting organizational goals.
Leadership becomes more result-oriented, with leaders focusing on delivering measurable results. This is the level of 5 Levels of Leadership that an organization needs if it wants to achieve great success. When the leader can deliver on promises and achieve tangible results, he earns the trust and respect of his team.
Characteristics of Results-Oriented Leadership:
- Results and goal attainment are delivered by leaders.
- Focus is on performance and productivity.
- Followers are motivated by the success of their team.
Beyond the Production Level: To move to this level, leaders must change from focusing on results alone to developing others. Leaders who understand this know that it is the growth and development of others that will sustain them for the long term.
Level 4: People Development – Leadership by Reproduction
In the fourth level, leadership is concerned with developing other leaders. The leader starts focusing on other people’s growth instead of merely generating results or attaining personal success. In this stage, the leader mentors, coaches, and inspires followers to become all that they can be.
People development is a part of leadership, which ensures the continued success of the organization and prepares the next generation of leaders. When leaders invest in their team’s growth, they multiply their own effectiveness and influence. This stage is about lifting others up and enabling them to lead.
Key Characteristics of Leadership by People Development:
- Leaders focus on growing others to become leaders themselves.
- Mentorship and coaching become central aspects of leadership.
- Leaders create an environment of continuous learning and growth.
Moving Beyond the People Development Level: To advance to the pinnacle of leadership, leaders must focus on creating a lasting legacy and empowering others to lead without them. At this level, leadership is about leaving a mark that continues after the leader is no longer involved in the organization.
Level 5: Pinnacle – Leadership by Respect
The Pinnacle level is the fifth and highest level of 5 Levels of Leadership. Leaders who reach this stage are not only effective in their own right but are also known for inspiring and motivating others to become leaders. These leaders are highly respected and admired because of their achievements, their ability to develop leaders, and the lasting impact they have made on their teams, organizations, and even their industries.
Leaders at the Pinnacle level have earned a reputation that goes beyond their job title or position. Leaders are often viewed as role models, and the leadership legacy continues to live well past their time in a specific role or organization.
Key Characteristics of Pinnacle Leadership:
- Leaders act as role models and mentees for others.
- Leadership is revered because it makes lasting impacts.
- The focus is on an enduring legacy.
How to Reach the Pinnacle Level: Reaching the Pinnacle level takes years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to ongoing growth and development. It is not something that can be achieved overnight. The key is to continually add value, develop others, and build a reputation that outlasts one’s time in a specific role.
Why the 5 Levels of Leadership Matter
The 5 Levels of Leadership provide a guide for anyone who aspires to be a leader, regardless of where they are today or how long they have been in their current role. The levels indicate the dynamic nature of leadership and that true leadership is not about the title but the impact one makes on others.
Through understanding these levels, individuals can see how far they have progressed and make action toward growth. Similarly, organizations can apply these levels in the creation of 5 Levels of Leadership programs to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Position – Leadership starts in a position of authority but then goes beyond reliance on positional authority.
- Permission – Leadership transitions to a place of relationships and mutual trust.
- Production – Leaders’ focus at this level is getting results and fulfilling goals.
- People Development – Leadership focuses on building other leaders. This ensures lasting success.
- Pinnacle – Pinnacle leadership concerns itself with laying a lasting legacy and inspiring people to lead others.
