Developing the Leader Within You - Influence : Part 3

We will continue our leadership journey, learning new skills and refreshing old ones, with John C. Maxwell's book Developing the Leader Within You.

Leadership is influence. That's it. Nothing more. Nothing less.

In the introduction of the book, Maxwell states: The key to success in an endeavor is the ability to lead others successfully. And, as we have heard before, Everything rises and falls on leadership.

The Five Levels of Leadership

Through his years in leadership and the business of leadership, Maxwell has created a model reflecting the various levels of leadership. He has also created a teaching tool to assist others in understanding their levels of leadership so they can increase their levels of influence.

The Five Levels of Leadership are:

1. Level 1: Position
2. Level 2: Permission
3. Level 3: Production
4. Level 4: People Development
5. Level 5: Personhood

Maxwell's model indicates that in order to get to the top, you must do two things:

• Know what level you are on at this moment.
• You will be on different levels with different people, so you need to know which people are on which level.
• Know and apply the qualities needed to be successful at each level.
  
• Below is a partial listing of the characteristics that you must exhibit with excellence before you can move to the next level.
  
  Level 1: Position / Rights
• Know your job description thoroughly.
• Be aware of the history of the organization.
• Accept responsibility.
• Be a team player.
• Do your job with consistence excellence.
• Do more than expected.
  
  Level 2: Permission / Relationship
• Make those who work with you more successful.
• See through other people's eyes.
• Do "win-win" or don't do it.
• Include others in your journey.
• Deal wisely with difficult people.
  
  Level 3: Production / Results
• Initiate and accept responsibility for growth.
• Develop and follow a statement of purpose.
• Develop accountability for results, beginning with yourself.
• Know and do the things that give a high return.
• Become a change-agent and understand timing.
• Make the difficult decisions that will make a difference.
  
  Level 4: People Development / Reproduction
• Realize that people are your most valuable asset.
• Place a priority on developing people.
• Be a model for others to follow.
• Expose key leaders to growth opportunities.
• Be able to attract other winners to the common goal.
• Surround yourself with an inner core that complements your leadership.
  
  Level 5: Personhood / Respect
• Your followers are loyal.
• You have invested years mentoring and molding leaders.
• Your greatest joy comes from watching others grow and develop.
• You transcend the organization.

Well, that is certainly a lot to think, absorb and put into action. This is why Mawell says leaders are developed daily, not in a day. Leadership takes time and commitment.

Next time, we will explore the key to leadership - priorities.

Donald G Rosenbarger
Senior Vice President
Delta Companies Inc