A Comprehensive Guide to John Maxwell’s The 5 Levels of Leadership
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. In his influential book, The 5 Levels of Leadership, John Maxwell provides a roadmap for this journey, outlining five progressive stages of leadership. Each level reflects growth in influence, trust, and effectiveness. Understanding and navigating these levels is essential for anyone aspiring to maximize their leadership potential.
Level 1: Position – Rights-Based Leadership
At the foundational level, leadership is conferred by a title or position. This is where most leaders begin their journey. People follow a Level 1 leader because they have to, not necessarily because they are inspired or influenced by them.
Maxwell shares the example of a new manager who was promoted based solely on technical expertise, not leadership ability. While this manager held the title, their team showed little engagement, often doing only the bare minimum. The manager realized that their positional authority didn’t inspire respect or commitment—it merely obligated compliance.
Maxwell emphasizes that leadership based solely on position is the weakest form. One level one, leaders may rely on rules, hierarchy, and organizational charts to enforce compliance. Level one leaders have authority, but they do not automatically get respect, loyalty, or trust.
How to move forward:
- Develop emotional intelligence to understand and connect with team members.
- Focus on building relationships to transition from positional authority to genuine influence.
Level 2: Permission – Relationship-Based Leadership
Level 2 leaders earn the trust and respect of their team members, moving beyond titles to build relationships. Maxwell notes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” At this stage, followers permit leaders to lead because they feel valued and understood.
Maxwell discusses how Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy built strong relationships with employees and franchise operators, earning their trust and loyalty. Cathy famously prioritized relationships over profits, creating a culture where people felt valued. As a result, employees willingly followed his leadership and went above and beyond in their roles.
Permission-based leadership is rooted in mutual respect. Leaders focus on creating a positive environment where collaboration thrives. They actively listen, show empathy, and celebrate the individual contributions of their team members.
How to move forward:
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to understand team members’ aspirations and concerns.
- Demonstrate appreciation through recognition and constructive feedback.
- Start aligning team members’ goals with the organization’s mission.
Level 3: Production – Results-Based Leadership
At Level 3, leaders establish credibility by delivering tangible results. People follow because they see the leader’s competence and the value they bring to the organization. Success at this stage is measured by the leader’s ability to drive productivity, achieve goals, and inspire team members to perform at their best.
Maxwell recounts the story of a CEO who took over a struggling company and led it to profitability. The CEO created a culture of achievement by focusing on tangible results and holding the team accountable. The turning point came when the team saw that the leader wasn’t just focused on numbers but also celebrated their hard work and contributions to shared goals.
Production-focused leaders prioritize clear communication, strategic planning, and effective execution. They are adept at motivating their teams and fostering a culture of accountability and achievement. While results are vital, Maxwell warns against becoming too focused on outcomes at the expense of relationships.
How to move forward:
- Set clear performance metrics and involve team members in defining their goals.
- Delegate tasks effectively to empower others while focusing on higher-level priorities.
- Celebrate wins and reflect on lessons learned to improve.
Level 4: People Development – Reproducing Leaders
The hallmark of Level 4 leadership is the ability to develop others into leaders. At this stage, leaders focus not only on achieving results but also on investing in the growth of their team members. Maxwell emphasizes that “leaders are measured by the caliber of leaders they develop, not the caliber of their own leadership.”
Jack Welch, former CEO of GE, is highlighted as a quintessential Level 4 leader. Welch invested heavily in identifying and developing leaders within the organization, creating a pipeline of talent that sustained GE’s success for decades. Many of Welch’s protégés went on to lead other major organizations, a testament to his commitment to multiplying leaders.
Level 4 leaders are mentors, coaches, and talent developers. They take pride in empowering others to take on greater responsibilities and succeed independently. This level requires a shift from managing processes to cultivating potential.
How to move forward:
- Identify team members with leadership potential and invest in their development.
- Offer opportunities for growth through mentorship, training, and challenging assignments.
- Foster a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Level 5: Pinnacle – Legacy Leadership
The fifth and final level represents the pinnacle of leadership. At this stage, leaders are followed not because of their position, relationships, results, or even their ability to develop others but because of who they are and what they represent. Level 5 leaders create a lasting legacy, leaving an indelible impact on their organizations, industries, and communities.
Maxwell describes Mother Teresa as a Level 5 leader whose influence transcended her organization. Her unwavering commitment to serving the poorest of the poor inspired millions around the world. People followed her not because of her position, but because of who she was, what she stood for, and the profound impact of her actions.
These leaders inspire at a higher level, transforming organizations and shaping the next generation of leaders. Their influence extends far beyond their immediate sphere, and their leadership philosophy often becomes a blueprint for others to follow. Maxwell describes this level as a rare achievement, requiring years of dedication, personal growth, and consistent impact.
How to maintain Level 5 leadership:
- Remain focused on forward momentum, refusing to rest on past successes.
- Expand your influence by teaching leadership principles through speaking, writing, or mentoring.
- Inspire others to create leaders, ensuring a growth and development ripple effect.
Why Strive for Level 5 Leadership?
Achieving Level 5 leadership is not just about personal success. It’s multiplying impact. A Level 5 leader doesn’t just lead effectively—they change lives, create enduring organizations, and inspire movements. Maxwell asserts, “What you do daily, over time, becomes your legacy.”
To reach this peak, leaders must commit to lifelong learning, embrace challenges, and prioritize the development of others. Each level builds on the previous one, forming a robust foundation for sustained influence and growth.
Navigating the Journey: Practical Tips
- Assess Your Current Level: It’s vital to understand that you are not on the same leadership level with everyone in your organization. Reflect on where you stand in Maxwell’s hierarchy with the people and departments in your company. Are you relying on your title, or have you built strong relationships? Are you achieving results, or are you actively developing others?
- Adopt a Growth Mindset: Leadership development is a continuous process. Embrace challenges and seek opportunities to learn and grow.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly solicit input from peers, mentors, and team members to identify blind spots and areas for improvement.
- Invest in Relationships: Leadership is fundamentally about people. Prioritize trust, communication, and empathy at every stage.
- Focus on Legacy: Ask yourself how your actions today will shape your organization, community, and industry tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
John Maxwell’s The 5 Levels of Leadership is a roadmap for leaders at every stage of their journey. It reminds us that leadership is not static but dynamic and evolving. By striving to ascend through each level, leaders can unlock their full potential, inspire others, and leave a lasting impact.
Whether you’re just starting your leadership journey or working toward Level 5, these principles provide actionable guidance for growth. The climb may be challenging, but the view from the top is well worth the effort.
