The Five Levels of Leadership
The following description of the five levels of leadership is adapted from John Maxwell's Developing the Leader Within You. A must read!
John Maxwell on the Five Levels
Leadership qualities can manifest in employees at any level within an organization, and these can vary significantly. For example, it's possible for an employee to demonstrate level 5 leadership even in an organization where the owner exhibits only level 1 leadership. As we explore the five levels of leadership, I encourage you to reflect on your own experience. Consider which level most accurately represents your current leadership style or position.
Level 1 - The Boss
Leadership because of position: While the boss holds a position of power, genuine leadership has yet to be established or conferred. Characteristics of the work culture developed by the boss include:
- Subordinates are dependent and lack the qualities of genuine followers or self-leaders.
- Compliance with the boss's directives is driven by obligation rather than choice or respect.
- The boss's authority is recognized only due to their positional status.
- The primary motivation for employees is to avoid negative consequences.
- The boss's influence does not extend beyond the lines of their job description.
- The boss is primarily concerned with their own success.
- The boss uses, and potentially abuses, people to further his or her own ends.
- Prolonged leadership at this level often results in increased employee turnover and diminished morale.
Level 2 - The Coach
Leadership by permission: This is where real leadership begins. The leader is not demanding followership, instead, they seek it through their actions and leading by example. Review the characteristics below.
- Leadership is conferred at this level. The leader has permission to lead.
- The leader commands, not demands.
- The leader begins the very important journey away from self-centered attitudes towards selfless action.
- Followers are motivated by a genuine desire to comply with the leader's directives.
- Followers begin to work to receive recognition as well as avoid punishment.
- The leader starts to prioritize and actively work towards the success of their followers.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-6. At this level of leadership, a supervisor may have power, but leadership has not been conferred.
You forgot to answer the question!