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Deep down, every leader wishes to make an impact and to do something significant and lasting through their life’s work. But what many fail to realize is that it is not a destination; it is a leadership growth journey.

In his book, The 5 Levels of Leadership, John Maxwell talks about this. While leaders aspire to Level 5, which is the level of legacy; the truth is, most of us are somewhere on the other four levels.

And that is okay.

Here’s why: If you skip levels, you are also skipping the growth that comes with each level.

The Five Levels

Level 1 — Position

This is the beginning level of leadership. You have worked hard enough to exhibit a level of expertise in your field or to be recognized for having leadership potential. The reward is a promotion and pay increase, and the responsibility shifts from being a doer to being a manager.

This is also the “awkward adolescent” stage of leadership, where the career shoes you’ve worn comfortably, perhaps for years, no longer fit.

Social engagement takes on strange new dynamics as well. People, including many who were previously your peers, will follow you because of your position. But these can be tenuous relationships.

The lessons learned at this level are priceless. It is at this level that you begin to shift focus from things to people. You learn to manage, coach, train, and develop trust with your team. You also learn the value of healthy boundaries, strong values, and clear communication.

Just as you don’t get to adulthood without going through adolescence, you don’t get to Level 2 without laying the important groundwork of Level 1.

Level 2 — Permission

This level is all about relationships. As John Maxwell notes, people follow you at this level, not because they have to, but because they want to.

And they want to because you have established trust, good boundaries, and camaraderie with them at Level 1.

There are a multitude of leaders who get stuck at Level 1; but those who reach Level 2 enjoy a strong team bond. A difference between Level 1 and Level 2 leadership is that a team led by a Level 2 leader respects the leader and looks forward to doing the work.

The lessons of Level 2 are all about building trust and relationships.

Level 3 — Production

This is the express elevator that a Level 1 leader often tries to take. They assume a new position and immediately put pressure on the team to shift into high productivity. This causes team resentment and can have a seriously negative effect on production.

But if a leader has worked through the challenges of Level 1 and grown through Level 2, high productivity becomes a natural next level.

With solid relationships established, a Level 3 team is ready to tackle new challenges together. Because the relationships are strong, each team member can feel free to voice their viewpoint on matters, even if it differs from that of other team members. A Level 3 team can set and achieve goals to very high levels.

The lessons of a Level 3 leader are those of coaching and advising. Your leadership growth comes in learning to trust and guide your team. You are there to ensure that each team member is positioned for success, based on their strengths and experience. At this level, you will learn the value of clear direction and communication.

Level 4 — People Development

As you approach Level 4, you will experience a point of overwhelm, where you realize you can no longer be the coach and advisor for everyone. This is normal and a signal that you are ready to begin Level 4, where you begin to develop other leaders.

Your focus shifts from productivity and management to growing leaders.

This is where you develop the leaders who will lead the team or teams you have been leading. It can feel disconcerting when you are no longer the “go-to” person; but it is a necessary step to scaling a business.

And thus, the lesson of this level is learning how to foster growth in those who have the potential to lead across your organization. Perhaps the main lesson is learning how and when to let your leaders go forward on their own.

This is a rewarding level in that you get to see your people grow into their greater potential, and you become a leader of leaders.

Level 5 — Pinnacle

This one is the “gold medal” of leadership. And, as gold medals go, it can take a lifetime to achieve.

It is the result of intentional leadership growth applied over a long period of time. Unlike the other levels, which are defined by your growth as a leader; this level is defined by others and the impact you have had on them.

Level 5 leadership is legacy, the point where you are not only respected; you are loved. And it is the point where you fully realize that it was never about you or even the mission.

It was about something far greater: the future of those who follow.

For valuable resources on Leadership Strengths and Tools, click here.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!