What Is A Leader?

What is a leader? Everyone can be a leader in different settings. For instance, a University teacher, a hockey coach, a parent, and so on.

In many organizations we need a leader even in our family, leaders are necessary to function in our society if we want to be harmonious altogether. Even if you a leadership position doesn’t make you a good leader automathically. Even if you have a leadership position, it doesn’t make you a good leader.

I ran into an article from John C. Maxwell on Leadership and its 5 levels according to him.

Level 1 = Position

We can say it is the starting point to become a leader. This level does not require any ability or effort to achieve it. Anyone can be appointed to the position.  But it works if it is a paid job, and people may decide to follow you if they have to.

However, at this level, you can learn about yourself, self-discipline throughout your work and then become a real leader later on.

Level 2 == Permission

This level is all about building a relationship with our people or group so they can trust and decide to follow you. Without people, we can’t be a leader. Taking the time to value the people with you and developing a positive impact that leads to respect. This is the building block of our relationship and prepares us for the next level.

Level 3 === Production

Make sure things are done; this is all about this level. The leaders who produce results increase their credibility and influence. Also, when everyone is moving forward together, the team’s synergy makes it more effective.

 Level 4 ==== People Development

At this point, we think about Reproduction meaning that we need to form new leaders with us so we can improve our organization and become more global and be able to make a difference in people’s lives.

The new leaders will follow us with the same goals in mind, which is why it is important to invest in raising new leaders.

Level 5 =====  Apogee

The highest leadership level is the most arduous level to accomplish. We need to invest in long life and intentionality. If we succeed in bringing many organizations to level 5 leaders, we can say that we leave a legacy to people who are going to follow our steps and become leaders as well in their industry or organizations.

In conclusion,  leadership is a broad subject, and we can elaborate further. My definition of leadership is all about growth – yourself first,  develop a great relationship with your people and lead by example and be willing to improve yourself. Only then will people choose to follow you as a leader.

Have a wonderful week,

Gaétane
www.gaetaneferland.com