One of the most influential books that I have ever
read is a book by leadership guru John Maxwell: Developing the Leader Within
You. Developing your leadership abilities
is vital in becoming successful and in helping your organization grow and
achieve its goals. I highly recommend
this book to you.
Maxwell makes it clear that leadership is
influence. “He who thinks he leads, but
has no followers, is only taking a walk,” says Maxwell. As a result, Maxwell has developed his Five
Levels of Leadership.
1. Position
– Rights: people follow you because they have to. This is the lowest level of leadership and the
least productive level. You are not a
leader but a boss. When people follow
you because they have to, they will only do what is required but little
extra. A good leader has to take steps
to get quickly to the second level.
2. Permission – Building relationships: people
follow you because they want to. At this
level developing good relationships with the people you lead will move the
organization forward because people will give more effort being led by someone
they like and trust. It is based on the
leader developing relationships, and then the leader develops influence.
3. Production – Production: people follow because
of what you have done for the organization.
When you have a positive impact on the organization and help it to
succeed, people will follow you because everyone benefits.
4. People Development – Reproduction: people follow
because of what you have done for them.
One function of leadership is helping your people find the niche where
they fit in best in the organization and also help them to grow. You help them to develop as a person and as a
worker. As you as a leader help them to
succeed in their job, they are more willing to follow you.
5. Personhood – Respect: people follow you because of who you are and
the respect that they have for you. They
like what you represent and as a result your leadership has more influence and
people follow you. At this level, you
are able to develop other leaders.
This is just a quick overview. Get the book!
I promise you it will change your view of leadership and you will be
well on your way to growing as a leader.
Steve - ICAN Council Bluffs Center