Leadership Levels

Overview of Leadership Levels

Level 1: Position Level
- People follow because they have to.
- Common mindset: "How little can I do and still not get fired?"
- Example: At quitting time, workers are ready to leave early, showing minimal engagement.
Level 2: Permission Level
- People follow because they want to.
- Relationships are built; synergy begins.
- Workers will give extra time if they like the leader.
- Known as the "Second Mile Level" – extra effort is given here.
Level 3: Production Level
- Key focus: Results.
- People follow due to what the leader has done for the organization.
- Momentum begins to build; positive perception of the leader increases.
- Momentum is crucial; it can overcome significant obstacles.
  - Analogy: A train with momentum can break through barriers but fails with no momentum.
Level 4: People Development Level
- Key focus: Reproduction of leaders.
- People follow due to what the leader has done for them personally.
- Loyalty is strong; workers go to bat for the leader.
- Moving from addition (level 3) to multiplication (level 4) in developing others.
- Importance of training and equipping others to lead.
Level 5: Personhood Level
- Key focus: Respect.
- Achieved when leaders have significantly impacted many people over time.
- Leaders at this level enjoy lifelong respect and support.

Leaders do not leave previous levels behind; they build on them.
Higher levels lead to easier leadership as trust and respect accumulate.
People do not follow at the same level; assess each individual’s level for effective leadership.

Self-assessment: Reflect on your position with each individual you lead.
Exercise: List people you lead and determine their level with you (1-5).
Important note: Leaders should focus on creating momentum rather than solely solving problems.

Leadership requires understanding where each person is in relation to you.
The higher you go in leadership levels, the more cushion you have when mistakes happen.