Leadership Book Analysis: The 5 Levels of Leadership

01 December 2015

Leadership Book Analysis: The 5 Levels of Leadership

        For the leadership book analysis, I chose to read The 5 Levels of Leadership, by John C. Maxwell. This book outlines five levels of an effective leader, and how to progress throughout the steps to reach the top. The five levels are position, permission, production, people development, and the pinnacle. Level 1, position, describes that people follow the leader because they have to. Level 2 is permission. This level discuses that people follow the leader because they want to. Level 3, production, describes how people follow the leader because of what that leader has done for the organization. Level 4, which is people development, describes how people follow the leader because of what the leader has done for those people. Lastly, level 5, the pinnacle, discuses how people follow the leader because of who the leader is and what he or she represents. The book offers clear, calculated measures in which one can take in order to progress throughout leadership and life. The book takes calculated measures to ensure that the leader not forget the levels that precede the current level in which the leader is at. The author makes many points throughout the book to optimize the leadership of the reader. Some key points taken from the text are: people are the leader’s greatest asset, not position; leadership levels change when the leader changes organizations; and you can move up levels, but can never leave a level behind.

Level 1: Position

        Position is where people follow the leader solely because they have to. This is where every potential leader starts off. This is the lowest level of leadership, and easiest to attain. The only influence the person has here is that which comes from the position. Many people make it to this level, but only leader’s progress to higher levels. Leadership positions are usually given to people who have the potential to lead. With this position, authority recognition begins to grow throughout the subordinates. The person in this position must use the authority wisely, and help advance the team of people he or she is leading. This position allows the leader to shape and define their leadership style. This exposes what traits the leader values the most. These traits could be leading by example, strong ethics or morals, knowledge of the business, fairness, overall intelligence and competence, and recognition of employees.

Level 2: Permission

        The second level of leadership is permission. This is where the leader is followed because people want to follow them. The transition to level 2 marks the person’s first real step in leadership. Level 2 leadership focuses on relationships. Leadership permission makes work more enjoyable. The leaders focus on level 2 is on the group, the focus shifts from me, to we. The energy level increases with permission leadership. People are more motivated to do things for the leader, and the environment begins to change. This level opens up channels of communication and focuses on the value of each person. Through the building of relationships, trust is built.