The Levels of Leadership
The levels of leadership that make you a leader.
The Levels of Leadership
The basic definition of a leader is someone who has followers. The definition can be subjective, however. To better understand the context of such a complex hierarchical concept, you can break down the levels of leadership into system. This system was created by the late Peter Drucker, a highly influential educator and proclaimed, ‘father of modern management’.
Level one, leadership by position or by right. People will follow you because they have too. For example, you are the manager of department within a business. Team members acknowledge your assigned position of statues and will act subordinate within this hierarchy. Poor management will often cultivate this level of leadership grading. Resistance by team members may be shown through signs of disinterest and uncertainty. Often leading to poor results regardless of their capabilities.
Level two, leadership by permission or through relationships. This builds on the former level, as it consists by building a connection with your team members. People will follow you because they want too not because of a job title or self-proclaimed statues. You are well liked, and people will have no reason to resist your guidance.
Level three, earned by people following you because of your results. The black and white of the business world is one judged on the production of results. A proven track record of success will earn the accreditation of those around you. Achieving goals and wins whilst coordinating a team will provide meaningful evidence of your leadership capabilities. Data that cannot be ignored by even the most resistant of personalities. Actions will always speak louder than words.
Level four, a focus on personnel development. Developing your team’s skillset is the most effective way to build loyalty within an organisation. They will acknowledge your investment into them and your facilitation on trying to help them succeed. Everyone wants to feel needed and investing in personnel growth is the most effective way to do so. A biproduct will also be the improvement of skillset within the organisation, resulting in even better reproduction of results.
Level five, the pinnacle of respect. Combining all the former levels will equate to a dynamic of respect and admiration. People will follow you because of who you are and what you represent. Being perceived in this manner is the goal as a leader. It is a deep appreciation that will help you build a team dedicated in fulfilling your organisations goals.
This concept highlights the importance of leadership when driving organisational success. All dynamics are controlled by how you are perceived based on your actions and decisions. Your level of influence will directly affect the effectiveness and desire of your team. When people respect you as a leader, you will receive more value out of them.
Liam Adcock • January 2, 2025
The Levels of Leadership
The basic definition of a leader is someone who has followers. The definition can be subjective, however. To better understand the context of such a complex hierarchical concept, you can break down the levels of leadership into system. This system was created by the late Peter Drucker, a highly influential educator and proclaimed, ‘father of modern management’.
Level one, leadership by position or by right. People will follow you because they have too. For example, you are the manager of department within a business. Team members acknowledge your assigned position of statues and will act subordinate within this hierarchy. Poor management will often cultivate this level of leadership grading. Resistance by team members may be shown through signs of disinterest and uncertainty. Often leading to poor results regardless of their capabilities.
Level two, leadership by permission or through relationships. This builds on the former level, as it consists by building a connection with your team members. People will follow you because they want too not because of a job title or self-proclaimed statues. You are well liked, and people will have no reason to resist your guidance.
Level three, earned by people following you because of your results. The black and white of the business world is one judged on the production of results. A proven track record of success will earn the accreditation of those around you. Achieving goals and wins whilst coordinating a team will provide meaningful evidence of your leadership capabilities. Data that cannot be ignored by even the most resistant of personalities. Actions will always speak louder than words.
Level four, a focus on personnel development. Developing your team’s skillset is the most effective way to build loyalty within an organisation. They will acknowledge your investment into them and your facilitation on trying to help them succeed. Everyone wants to feel needed and investing in personnel growth is the most effective way to do so. A biproduct will also be the improvement of skillset within the organisation, resulting in even better reproduction of results.
Level five, the pinnacle of respect. Combining all the former levels will equate to a dynamic of respect and admiration. People will follow you because of who you are and what you represent. Being perceived in this manner is the goal as a leader. It is a deep appreciation that will help you build a team dedicated in fulfilling your organisations goals.
This concept highlights the importance of leadership when driving organisational success. All dynamics are controlled by how you are perceived based on your actions and decisions. Your level of influence will directly affect the effectiveness and desire of your team. When people respect you as a leader, you will receive more value out of them.
Liam Adcock • January 2, 2025