Leadership: Leveling Up!

By Cynthia Plonien DNP, RN, CENP

As author Lewis Howes writes, "true leadership isn’t about the title you hold; it’s about the lives you touch, the impact you create, and the legacy you leave behind. It's a journey of empowering others to shine, guiding with empathy, and showing up authentically every day. Remember, a great leader doesn't build followers; a great leader builds more leaders (1)."

Genuine leadership goes beyond meeting organizational goals and management of people. It is making a difference and initiating positive change in the lives of others. Ripple effects extend outward and are never-ending as those who are touched, develop and influence others.

Entering a new year is an exciting period. It is a time filled with optimism for future achievement, with a look back at accomplishments and challenges. It is also a time of opportunity to assess and plan for personal leadership growth.

Influential leaders continually strive to improve themselves by evolving to higher levels of performance and influence. As identified by John C. Maxwell, leadership growth progresses through five levels (2).

Levels of Leadership

1. Position: People follow the leader as a requirement.
2. Permission: People follow the leader because they choose to.
3. Production: People follow the leader because of results and accomplishments.
4. People Development: People follow the leader because of what the leader has done personally for them.
5. Pinnacle: People follow the leader because of respect—who the leader is.

“Leveling up” in leadership requires intentional learning with an investment of time and constant self-reflection. At Level 5, learning is intentional and ongoing with a focus on mastery of leadership skills, style, and qualities (3).

Reiterating the sentiment of Lewis Howes, true leaders create a legacy not through organizational achievements, but by inspirational influence on others, who are entering and moving through the Levels of Leadership.

References:

1. Howes, L. lewishowes@LewisHowes. Retrieved Dec. 2023.

2. Maxwell, J. C. 5 Levels of Leadership. Center Street. NY. 2013

3. Miller, H. 5 Levels of Leadership, Which Stage Have You Reached. Leaders. Retrieved 1/3/24 https://leaders.com/articles/leadership/5-levels-of-leadership/