The 5 Levels of Leadership and My 10-Level Expansion

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. John C. Maxwell's "5 Levels of Leadership" provides a powerful framework for understanding how leaders grow and develop over time. However, through my experience in business, leading teams, and mentoring individuals, I have found that leadership isn't just about moving from one step to another—it involves deeper nuances and challenges that aren't fully captured in a five-level model.

To address this, I have expanded Maxwell's model to include my own 10 Levels of Leadership, filling in critical gaps that reflect the real-world progression of a leader. This refined framework acknowledges the moments of struggle, transformation, and refinement that leaders experience as they evolve.

John Maxwell's 5 Levels of Leadership

1. Position – People follow you because they have to. This is the entry-level of leadership, where authority comes from a title rather than influence.
2. Permission – People follow you because they want to. Leadership at this level is built on relationships and trust.
3. Production – People follow you because of what you have done for the organization. Your results and track record earn you influence.
4. People Development – People follow you because of what you have done for them. A leader at this level focuses on developing other leaders.
5. Pinnacle – People follow you because of who you are and what you represent. This is the highest level, where a leader has built a lasting legacy.

Why I Expanded the Model

While Maxwell’s 5 Levels provide a solid foundation, I found that leaders often experience key intermediary stages that aren’t explicitly recognized. Leadership is not a linear climb; it involves backtracking, refining, and adjusting. My 10-Level Leadership Model, as detailed in my blog post 10 Levels of Leadership Within an Organization, introduces additional stages that acknowledge these nuances and challenges.

My 10 Levels of Leadership Within an Organization

1. Self-Leadership – Before leading others, a leader must master self-discipline, time management, and emotional intelligence.
2. Followership and Learning – A leader begins by learning from others, developing humility and absorbing knowledge.
3. Operational Leadership – The ability to execute tasks effectively while managing a small team or process.
4. Relational Leadership – Leaders develop the ability to build trust and influence through strong interpersonal relationships.
5. Team Leadership – Leading a team effectively, ensuring collaboration, and fostering accountability.
6. Cross-Functional Leadership – Influencing multiple teams and departments without direct authority.
7. Strategic Leadership – Developing a vision and aligning people and resources toward long-term goals.
8. Transformational Leadership – Driving cultural and organizational change through innovation and inspiration.
9. Organizational Leadership – Overseeing the direction of an entire organization, shaping its mission, and ensuring long-term success.
10. Legacy Leadership – The highest level, where a leader’s influence outlives their direct involvement, creating a lasting impact on the organization and industry.

Why These Additional Levels Matter

The added levels acknowledge the often-overlooked stages of leadership: the internal struggles, the need for resilience, and the sustainability of success. Too often, leadership models focus only on the destination, but the real journey is filled with defining moments that shape a leader’s effectiveness and legacy. By recognizing these extra stages, my model provides a more comprehensive roadmap for those striving to reach the highest level of leadership.

Conclusion

Leadership is not just about getting to the top—it’s about how you get there, what you overcome along the way, and how you sustain your impact. By expanding Maxwell’s model and incorporating the insights from my blog post, I aim to provide a clearer, more actionable guide for leaders at every stage of their journey. Whether you are just discovering your potential or working to leave a lasting legacy, understanding these 10 levels can help you navigate the complexities of leadership more effectively.