Leadership is about creating positive influence. Everyone has the potential to exert influence in any situation or with any group. Based on my experience, there are five stages of influence that we can move through alongside five levels of leadership. To move into a leadership role is to understand one’s source of influence and level of leadership. Advancement to the next level can only happen once an individual has excelled in the present level.
The Five Levels of Leadership
Level One … Position
At level one an authority figure exerts control largely because of position. Many times, a leader at this level rules by intimidation. People will follow because they have to, and they will not spend an effort beyond their job description or what is required. There is high turnover and low morale in the organization.
Indicators of excellence at this level is:
You are highly skilled
Knows the job inside and out
Has strong initiative
Is proactive
Is highly responsible
Level Two … Permission/relationship
At this position, a permission leader relies on people interrelationships with strong emphasis on bringing people together. Employees begin to follow beyond the leader’s stated authority.
Indicators of excellence at this level is:
They genuine care for people
Have a strong people relationship
Believes in win-win results
Knows how to deal with difficult people
Level Three … Production/Results
At level three, the leader brings the people together on a journey to accomplish a purpose allowing them to share in the glory of results. People follow to accomplish a shared objective.
Indicators of excellence at this level is:
Driven by a statement of purpose
They are accountable for results
Knows and does things that give a high return
They accept responsibility
Level Four … People development/Reproduction
A leader at level four empowers followers and helps them grow personally. People follow because of loyalty brought about by how the leader has helped them grow.
Indicators of excellence at this level is:
Recognizes people are valuable assets
They are role models for others to follow
Develops people
Shares goals
They surround oneself with a core team that complements leadership philosophy
Level five … Personhood At level five the leader has spent years growing people and organizations. People follow because of who and what the leader represents. Indicators of excellence at this level are: Followers are loyal and sacrificial The leaders are mentors and they mold leaders They transcends the organization Leader’s ultimate joy is to watch others grow and develop
Post in the comments the positive influences you are applying to step into your leadership role.
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