Robert W Wells

5 Levels of Leadership
Author: Robert W Wells
Published: October 13, 2009
For more articles: www.robertwells.com

Every day I meet with business owners and leaders of all types and stature. When coaching my clients, I always refer back to the “5 levels of leadership” and the term “level 5 leader”. I thought it would be helpful to list these levels for my readers and clients. In the article below, I created unique names for the five levels of leadership based on my own personal experiences as an entrepreneur. I also created a summary for each level of leadership. It is my life-long mission to raise up level five leaders in organizations across the world.

As a reference – I included the leadership level names as derived from two of my biggest influences, John Maxwell (will be in blue) and Jim Collins (will be in green). John Maxwell writes about these levels in his books, Five Levels of Leadership and Developing the Leader Within You. In contrast to Mr. Maxwell’s levels 1 thru 4, Jim Collins does not describe leaders under level 5. He focuses on the 5 sub-levels within the attributes of a “level 5 leader”. See his book Good to Great for more detail on this.

The 5 levels of leadership.

Level One Leader – The ‘Stated’ Authority Figure (Position)
Think of a military drill sergeant. It doesn’t matter if that drill sergeant has a PhD or an MBA, when he or she talks, the cadets listen. The drill sergeant has inherent authority over others because of his or her stated authority. In business, this leader’s influence will not extend beyond their title. People follow this leader because they are required to… or else! People rarely take what a level one leader says seriously unless it is associated with their circle of authority. The longer a leader stays at this level will result in low morale, turnover, job dissatisfaction and people will often overlook a level one leader for guidance.

Level Two – The Visionary (Permission)
A level two leader embraces relationships. This leader has stated authority but rarely uses it. People follow this leader by choice, not title and people follow beyond this leader’s stated authority. This type of leader is all about selling the vision and often does not embrace true leadership qualities. John Maxwell warns us that staying at this level for too long will result in highly motivated people becoming restless. Eventually, if a leader stays at this level too long, people may seek other opportunities for better leadership and career growth.

Level Three – The Captain (Production)
A level three leader has produced results. This leader has stated authority, embraces relationships and has actually produced results. People follow this leader because of his or her contributions to the organization as a whole or by what they have done as a leader elsewhere. Challenges are easier to overcome because this leader naturally generates momentum. A leader can lead at this level for a long period of time and will produce results and progress the organization. Eventually, if a leader stays at this level for too long, other aspiring leaders within the organization may seek other opportunities for better leadership and career growth.

Level Four – The Teacher (People Development)
A level four leader knows its not all about them. This leader has stated authority, embraces relationships, has produced results and is mentoring others.  People follow this leader because he or she develops people to a higher potential. This leaders commitment to developing leaders ensures sustainable growth within the organization and empowers the people he or she is influencing. When an organization is blessed with a team of Level Four leaders, it will experience long term, sustainable growth.

Level Five – The Shepherd (Personhood) (Level 5 Executive)
A level five leader has what can be described in one word… RESPECT! This leader has stated authority, embraces relationships, has produced results, is mentoring others and spends most of his/her time mentoring others. People follow this leader out of reverent and genuine respect. People follow because of who the leader is and what he or she represents. Very few people become level five leaders. It takes years and years of deep commitment to develop into a level five leader.

(A level Five leader “Builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.” - Jim Collins)

Hierarchy of the sub-levels of a “level 5″ leader (as described by Jim Collins)
(4 -> Effective Leader)
(3 -> Competent Manager)
(2 -> Contributing Team Member)
(1 -> Highly Capable Individual)

I encourage leaders to assess what level of leader they are today and set a goal for the level they want to achieve in 3 to 5 years from now. Thank you for reading my thoughts on the 5 Levels of Leadership. I wish for you success in your business adventures.