Five Levels of Leadership in the Workplace

Five Levels of Leadership in the Workplace

Some of the hardest decisions that must be made in the workplace require one of the “softest” skills that an entrepreneur must develop: leadership. True leadership is a journey of influence- nothing more, nothing less. In our social media-driven world where people clamor for “followers” and viral (yet fleeting) fame, it’s easy to confuse popularity with leadership. It’s also easy to miss organic opportunities to make a significant impact on employees, customers, and our communities at-large.

If you can increase your influence with others in the workplace, then you can lead your teams more effectively and facilitate desired outcomes. Everything rises and falls on leadership, so make it a point to hone your skills daily. There are five levels in the leadership journey that you must successfully traverse in order to maximize your potential and guide your organization to success:

Level 1: Position.

People follow you because they have to. You’re the owner/ boss, but this is the lowest level of leadership and the weakest form of influence. Aim higher in order to be a true change agent.

Level 2: Permission.

People follow you because they want to. This level is based on getting to know your people, building relationships, and establishing trust. Influence is readily received in a trusting environment.

Level 3: Production.

People follow you because you get results. Your company is profitable; morale is high; and everyone wants to be part of a winning team. As long as you perform, you can sustain your influence.

Level 4: People Development.

People follow you because you invested in them. When you empower people to grow and be leaders in their own right, you reproduce your strengths and build high performing teams. When you invest in others, you also change their lives and sew seeds for lifelong relationships.

Level 5: Pinnacle.

People follow you because of who you are and what you represent. Your personal brand is backed by a legacy of talent mastery, mentorship, and replicating level 4 leaders who will keep the cycle going. This can be a difficult level to achieve, but it has the highest payoff with influence that transcends positions, organizations, and even industries.

To learn more about how you can grow as a leader and develop other leaders in your organization, visit georgiasbdc.org/morrow or call (678) 466-5100.