The Five Levels of Leadership: Securing Permission to Lead

Leadership is not solely defined by a job title or a position of authority. True leadership goes beyond hierarchy; it requires the ability to secure permission from people who report into you or from stakeholders you want to influence. This concept is beautifully articulated in John Maxwell’s book, “The Five Levels of Leadership,” a transformative guide that emphasizes the importance of earning the trust and respect of your team. Inspired by my mentor,?Sri Shivananda, the CTO of PayPal, who recommended this book to me several years ago, I will delve into the significance of securing permission to lead and how it plays a vital role in establishing oneself and building a positive influence within a new organization. Way too often I hear of leaders coming into a new organization or taking over a new team and they go in “hot” before securing permission to lead.

Level 1: Position

The lowest level of leadership is based solely on a person’s position or title within an organization. While this level grants some authority, it does not automatically instill trust or inspire others to follow. Leaders at this level often encounter resistance, skepticism, and limited influence. Merely holding a position does not guarantee success or create lasting impact. Many people fail by trying to lead from a position of apparent power.

Level 2: Permission

To move beyond the limitations of position-based leadership, leaders must secure permission from their team members to lead effectively. Permission is earned through building relationships, demonstrating competence, and fostering an environment of trust. Leaders who prioritize establishing meaningful connections with their teams gain the respect and commitment necessary to influence positive change. (see my article about Leading without Authority)

Building Trust: Securing permission begins with building trust, a crucial foundation for leadership success. Trust is established by consistently delivering on promises, actively listening to team members, valuing their opinions, and demonstrating authenticity. When leaders cultivate trust, their teams become more willing to follow their guidance and embrace their vision.

Demonstrating Competence: Competence is another key aspect of securing permission to lead. Leaders must possess the necessary skills and knowledge to guide their teams effectively. By continuously developing their expertise and staying up-to-date with industry trends, leaders demonstrate their commitment to personal and professional growth. Competence builds credibility and instills confidence in team members, further solidifying their permission to lead.

Level 3: Production

At this level, leaders prove their worth by consistently achieving results and fostering a productive work environment. By focusing on setting clear goals, empowering team members, and providing the necessary resources, leaders create a culture of high performance. Leaders who prioritize production not only earn the respect of their teams but also cultivate a positive influence that encourages others to go the extra mile.

Level 4: People Development

Leaders who reach level four understand the importance of investing in the growth and development of their team members. They recognize that by empowering and equipping their people, they multiply their impact and create a legacy of leadership. Through mentorship, coaching, and providing growth opportunities, leaders at this level inspire loyalty, nurture talent, and build a pipeline of future leaders.

Level 5: Pinnacle

The pinnacle of leadership is achieved when leaders develop other leaders. At this level, leaders have secured permission to lead at such a profound level that their influence extends beyond their immediate sphere of control. They have created a lasting legacy by building a culture of leadership, where others are empowered to make a positive impact and continue the cycle of securing permission to lead.

Conclusion

By focusing on building trust, demonstrating competence, and prioritizing people development, leaders can ascend through the levels, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of leadership, where their impact extends far beyond their immediate circle. Remember, true leadership is not about the position; it is about securing permission to lead and inspiring others to follow. What level are you at? Please share your experience by commenting on the article.