John Maxwell's 5 levels of leadership and the secret to becoming a great CEO

In today's volatile socio-economic context, to become an outstanding leader, especially in the CEO position, requires outstanding qualities and skills. The 5 levels of leadership model by John Maxwell, a world-leading reputable expert with many books on the topic of leadership, will be a "powerful assistant" on the journey to becoming a great leader. Follow the article below with 1C Vietnam to learn more!

1. What are John Maxwell's 5 levels of leadership?

John Maxwell's 5 levels of leadership is a model framework founded by John Maxwell - who has trained millions of leaders around the world. This model is not only for those holding management positions but also applies to everyone who wants to influence and lead the team. To reach each level, you need to understand your current position and commit to personal development. According to Maxwell, each level is a next step and an opportunity to progress further in a leadership career.

2. John Maxwell's 5-level leadership model

Does your business want to become an inspirational leader, create a strong influence and lead the team to success? Explore John Maxwell's 5-Level Leadership Model, including: Position, Permission, Results Orientation, People Development and Pinnacle.

2.1 Level 1: Position

The first level in the 5-level leadership model is considered the foundation. Here, they are only known as bosses, not leaders. At this level, the requirements and efforts are not high and almost anyone can become a boss when appointed. They only play a management role according to rules and policies, with no real connection to their team. Often, they only rely on their titles to lead, unable to inspire or direct the team. However, if they begin to build relationships and gain trust, they can advance to level 2 of leadership.

Level 1 leaders can develop to higher levels by:

• Develop emotional intelligence.
• Practice situational leadership to adapt to each employee's needs.
• Hold weekly face-to-face meetings.
• Recognize and appreciate employees.
• Give constructive feedback.

2.2 Level 2: Permission

The second level of leadership in John Maxwell 's five-level leadership model is relationship-based. To thrive at this level, leaders need to understand and connect with people. Directors cannot lead without followers, so they need to learn how to adapt and communicate well. Maxwell emphasized that: "When leaders value and respect people, they develop positive influence. Increased trust leads to respect, creating a more positive work environment. "

At this level, employees start working voluntarily because they love the job, not just because they obey orders. However, if it stops here, people with great ambitions will feel discouraged because of the lack of opportunities to develop and increase income.

Moving from level 1 to level 2 is an important milestone, demonstrating that a person has motivation and leadership capacity. This is also the foundation to advance to level 3. To reach level 3, leaders need to:

• Clearly communicate vision, strategy and mission.
• Discuss KPIs with employees to involve them in goal direction and development.
• Set realistic timelines and track individual and team goal progress with project management tools.
• Assign and manage work effectively.
• Set planning and strategy days, spend time solving problems and driving the business.

2.3 Level 3: Result orientation (Production)

The results-oriented level is where leaders become change agents, creating tangible results. When work is completed efficiently, morale improves and profits increase. Leaders at this level focus on achieving positive results, using accepted leadership to solve difficult problems.

John Maxwell emphasizes: “There are two types of people in the business community: those who produce results and those who explain why they don't.” Level 3 leaders are results creators who practice transformational, charismatic, and democratic leadership styles to inspire and motivate teams to achieve goals.

Leaders at level 3 of the 5 levels of leadership are also excellent communicators, share vision, create action plans and listen and understand employees. They help the team create value for the organization, thereby increasing the team's confidence and income. However, to grow further, they need to focus on developing other leaders.

Here are some skills to become a level 4 leader:

• Evaluate leadership abilities and incorporate them into your leadership style.
• Develop a mentoring program for employees to learn how to lead.
• Invest in the personal development of team members, helping them achieve their goals and advance.
• Promoting the career development of others becomes a personal goal.

2.4 Level 4: People development

Level 4 of John Maxwell's 5 levels of leadership can be summed up in the words "Recreating talent." The goal of this level is to discover and develop new leaders by investing in their development. When there are many excellent leaders, the organization will achieve its goals faster.

Leaders at this level need to invest time, energy, and finances to help others develop into good leaders. They shift their focus from achieving individual results to developing the potential of others, thereby creating positive change for the entire team. People will follow leaders because of what they have helped employees achieve.

To develop talent at this level, prioritize investing in leaders and be persistent in this to achieve success. Steps to becoming a Level 5 leader include:

• Manage time effectively to plan and mentor team members, turning their development into daily activities.
• Commit to the long-term process of developing others, building a legacy as a great leader.
• Find personal motivation for leadership development, understanding why it is important for the leader and the organization.
• Track and evaluate employee progress, encouraging them to see the impact of investing in personal development.

2.5 Level 5: Pinnacle

Reaching Level 5 – The pinnacle of leadership is a rare achievement. Not only does it require outstanding leadership, but it also requires a lifelong dedication to personal development, service to others, and mentoring a new generation of leaders. John Maxwell writes: “What leaders do every day, over time, becomes their legacy.” This emphasizes that reaching the top is a long and challenging journey that requires intention.

When leaders reach this level, they can fully see and evaluate their legacy and impact. Signs of someone reaching the top include leading highly productive, profitable companies and being admired and respected in the industry. They also became a source of inspiration and mentorship for many people.

To maintain level 5 leadership, you need to:

• See this not as an achievement but as a way of life.
• Always looking forward, not complacent with old achievements, constantly innovating and improving.
• Expand your influence by teaching others to lead through channels like YouTube, writing books, or participating in podcasts.
• Teach other leaders how to develop and train the next generation of leaders.

3. Why is it important to clearly understand the 5 levels of leadership?

Understanding the 5 levels of leadership plays an extremely important role in the development journey of each individual and organization and brings the following practical benefits:

• Following the 5-level leadership model can bring success and increased income in your career.
• Understanding and applying the 5 levels of leadership helps you have greater influence on the organization or company you are working for.
• The 5-level leadership model helps improve relationships with colleagues and team members.
• Applying John Maxwell's 5 levels of leadership model helps individuals develop and perfect the skills necessary for an excellent leader.
• Understanding and applying the 5 levels of leadership helps build and develop relationships with others in your industry.

4. The secret to conquering the 5-level leadership model

John Maxwell's 5-level leadership model outlines a systematic development roadmap for each individual, helping them step by step to an excellent leadership position, inspiring and leading the team to achieve success. To conquer this model, each individual requires effort to train themselves, hone their skills and apply the following tips:

4.1 Receiving objective opinions

Be open to receiving opinions and feedback from colleagues and superiors. This helps leaders recognize their own strengths and ways to improve. Managers should create space for people to express their opinions freely, without fear of consequences like anonymous feedback.

4.2 Discover unique leadership styles

Each individual will suit different leadership styles. Sometimes, combining multiple styles or using each leadership style for different projects is a good choice.

4.3 Overcoming challenges to find development opportunities

Finding and taking advantage of leadership opportunities can be the key to helping individuals develop and progress further in their careers. Adding leadership projects to your resume can be a good way to improve your chances of getting promoted. Take the initiative to lead team meetings, present projects to managers, and take advantage of leadership opportunities available in the workplace.

4.4 Looking for a "teacher" to guide you

A mentor is not only an experienced individual, but also someone willing to help the leader move through each level of leadership by providing guidance and advice. When you see someone you admire and want to learn from, make an appointment to see them regularly. This gives leaders the opportunity to learn and grow from their experience and knowledge.

4.5 Cultivate and develop leadership skills

Make an effort to improve your communication skills, listen actively, and solve problems confidently. Honesty, dedication and the ability to inspire will help leaders succeed. Think carefully before each decision and take responsibility when necessary, and also know how to delegate responsibility when needed.

5. Necessary qualities of a level 5 leader

Level 5 leaders are extraordinary individuals who put collective interests above themselves and lead the organization to achieve great achievements. They possess qualities that set them apart from conventional leaders:

• Have vision and purpose: Leaders see the big picture and share the vision with the team. They not only set the direction for the future but also provide strategies and action plans.
• Inspire: The ability to inspire helps leaders maintain positivity and motivation for their team. They encourage others to dream, learn and grow.
• Responsible and trustworthy: The leader ensures that every team member is responsible and promotes trustworthiness. They celebrate success and handle failure fairly.
• Innovation and creativity: Innovation and creativity help level 5 leaders constantly develop and adapt to changing environments. They dare to experiment and look for new ways to solve problems.
• Empathy: By understanding and connecting with others, leaders create a work environment filled with emotion and strength. They pay attention and listen to those around them.

Above is a detailed analysis of John Maxwell's 5-level leadership model and the secrets to becoming a great CEO. Hopefully, through the information 1C Vietnam shares, individuals have a clearer view of leadership levels and the necessary factors to develop their careers. Start with self-development, build a vision, inspire and always be ready to innovate