Climbing the Steps of Leadership

by John C. Maxwell
an excerpt from Developing the Leader Within You Book

Leadership is a journey not a destination. Here are some additional insights on the leadership-levels process:

THE HIGHER YOU GO, THE LONGER IT TAKES
Each time there is a change in your job or you join a new circle of friends, you start on the lowest level and begin to work yourself up the steps.

THE HIGHER YOU GO, THE HIGHER THE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT
This increase in commitment is a two-way street. Greater commitment is demanded not only from you, but from the other individuals involved. When either the leader of the follower is unwilling to make the sacrifices a new level demands, influence will begin to decrease.

THE HIGHER YOU GO, THE EASIER IT IS TO LEAD
Notice the progression from level 2 through level 4. The focus goes from liking you, to liking what you do for the common interest of all concerned, to liking what you do for them personally. Each level climbed by the leader and the followers adds another reason why people will want to follow.

THE HIGHER YOU GO, THE GREATER THE GROWTH
Growth can only occur when effective change takes place. Change will become easier as you climb the levels of leadership. As you rise, other people will allow and even assist you in making needed changes.

YOU NEVER LEAVE THE BASE LEVEL
Each level stands upon the previous one and will crumble if the lower level is neglected. For example, if you move from a permission (relationships) level to a production (results) level and stop caring for the people who are following you and helping you produce, they might begin to develop a feeling of being used. As you move up in the levels, the deeper and more solid your leadership will be with a person or group of people.

IF YOU ARE LEADING A GROUP OF PEOPLE, YOU WILL NOT BE ON THE SAME LEVEL WITH EVERYONE
Not every person will respond the same way to your leadership.

FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP TO REMAIN EFFECTIVE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU TAKE THE OTHER INFLUENCERS WITHIN THE GROUP WITH YOU TO THE HIGHER LEVELS
The collective influence of you and the other leaders will bring the rest along. If this does not happen, divided interest and loyalty will occur within the group.




Learn more about LEADERSHIP by the attending The Developing the Leader Within You Workshop with Francis J. Kong on January 31 and February 1, 2012 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. For more info, call Krisselle or Leng at 687-2614.