I admit. I am not a big fan of American management approaches. But I love the concept of the 5 levels of leadership, developed and trained by the New York Times best selling author and American leadership expert John C. Maxwell.
Maxwell (2011) defines 5 different levels when it comes to the leadership of poeple. Each level is an integral fundament for the subsequent level(s):
Level 1: Leadership by Position: This is the lowest level of leadership. No effort an no ability is needed to achieve it. Leaders hold this position due to some type of organizational, structural or regulatory reasons. People simply follow because they have to.
Level 2: Leadership by Permission: Level 2 leadership is based on relationship. People don’t just follow because they have to, they follow because they want to, because they like you. They give the leading person permission to lead them.
Level 3: Leadership by Production: On this level, leaders who produce results build their influence and credibility. People follow because they want to, but furthermore they follow because of the leader’s track record, the results that seem to be desirable.
Level 4: Leadership by People Development: Level 4 leaders are driven by their motivation to identify and develop as many leaders as you can by investing in them and helping them to grow. People will follow because of what the leaders have done for them personally, because of their supporting actions.
Level 5: Leadership at the Pinnacle: Level 5 leaders are willing to invest their life into the lives of others for the long haul. They focus on growing others as well as themselves. People follow because of who you are and what you represent. (because of identity or shared purpose, so to say)
5 Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell (3:00)
One of the reasons why I love Maxwell’s leadership model is because there is a direct link to the idea of INSPIRATION.
On Level 1 inspiration is not existent. In fact, it seems to be the true opposite of any type of inspirational means. Leadership power based on pure position destroys inspiration.
On Level 2 and 3 inspiration in leadership grows and becomes more evident. “Followers” are attracted and inspired by the person that leads them or the results that have been (mostly jointly) achieved.
On Level 4 people feel inspired by the leader’s supporting actions. A true mutual bond starts to grow. Inspiration is always directly connected to personal growth and development. However, the source of inspiration (leader’s actions) is still considered to be “outside” the person being led.
On level 5 inspiration reveals its true power. A deep and authentic personal bond is established as a necessary condition for inspiration. The person being led is motivated to seek for its own inspirational motives, too. In best cases, there is a shared awareness for a joint purpose that brings mutual inspiration and honest collaboration. As Maxwell mentions in his blog: “Level 5 leaders develop level 5 organizations. They create opportunities other leaders don’t.”
So then, which is your level of leadership? How do you inspire as a leader?
By your person, results or actions? Or is it by your identity? Or a shared purpose?
I admit. I am not a big fan of American management approaches. But I love the concept of the 5 levels of leadership, developed and trained by the New York Times best selling author and American leadership expert John C. Maxwell.
Maxwell (2011) defines 5 different levels when it comes to the leadership of poeple. Each level is an integral fundament for the subsequent level(s):
Level 1: Leadership by Position: This is the lowest level of leadership. No effort an no ability is needed to achieve it. Leaders hold this position due to some type of organizational, structural or regulatory reasons. People simply follow because they have to.
Level 2: Leadership by Permission: Level 2 leadership is based on relationship. People don’t just follow because they have to, they follow because they want to, because they like you. They give the leading person permission to lead them.
Level 3: Leadership by Production: On this level, leaders who produce results build their influence and credibility. People follow because they want to, but furthermore they follow because of the leader’s track record, the results that seem to be desirable.
Level 4: Leadership by People Development: Level 4 leaders are driven by their motivation to identify and develop as many leaders as you can by investing in them and helping them to grow. People will follow because of what the leaders have done for them personally, because of their supporting actions.
Level 5: Leadership at the Pinnacle: Level 5 leaders are willing to invest their life into the lives of others for the long haul. They focus on growing others as well as themselves. People follow because of who you are and what you represent. (because of identity or shared purpose, so to say)
One of the reasons why I love Maxwell’s leadership model is because there is a direct link to the idea of INSPIRATION.
On Level 1 inspiration is not existent. In fact, it seems to be the true opposite of any type of inspirational means. Leadership power based on pure position destroys inspiration.
On Level 2 and 3 inspiration in leadership grows and becomes more evident. “Followers” are attracted and inspired by the person that leads them or the results that have been (mostly jointly) achieved.
On Level 4 people feel inspired by the leader’s supporting actions. A true mutual bond starts to grow. Inspiration is always directly connected to personal growth and development. However, the source of inspiration (leader’s actions) is still considered to be “outside” the person being led.
On level 5 inspiration reveals its true power. A deep and authentic personal bond is established as a necessary condition for inspiration. The person being led is motivated to seek for its own inspirational motives, too. In best cases, there is a shared awareness for a joint purpose that brings mutual inspiration and honest collaboration. As Maxwell mentions in his blog: “Level 5 leaders develop level 5 organizations. They create opportunities other leaders don’t.”
So then, which is your level of leadership? How do you inspire as a leader?
By your person, results or actions? Or is it by your identity? Or a shared purpose?
Find Maxwells Blog here.
Photo: Cover of Maxwells Best Selling Book about the “5 Levels of Leadership“.