Leadership isn’t a static position – it’s a journey made up of stages. Understanding the five levels of leadership helps you see where you are now and what’s ahead. Each level builds on what came before, growing your impact with people, results, and legacy.
Level 1 – Position
This is the entry level of leadership. People follow you simply because of your title or role – not because of your influence, relationships, or what you’ve done.
You gain this level by being placed or appointed into a position. But relying solely on position limits your leadership. It doesn’t motivate people to follow you when the title alone doesn’t carry weight.
To move beyond this level, invest in foundational growth: self-discipline, integrity, listening, doing what you promised. Learn to lead yourself first.
Level 2 – Permission
At this level, people follow you because they want to. You’ve built relationships, you’ve shown care, and you’ve gained trust.
You connect with people personally. You take time to understand them, treat them with respect, show empathy. When people believe you see them and care for them, they willingly give you influence beyond just your title.
This level lasts when you consistently nurture relationships and treat people as individuals – not just as means to achieve tasks.
Level 3 – Production
At Level 3, leaders start producing results. People follow because of what you’ve done – they see outcomes, positive change, progress.
Results build credibility. When teams succeed, morale lifts. When goals are met, people begin to trust your guidance more because you can lead through action. Performance becomes a key factor in growing influence.
But production doesn’t replace the need for relationships. To be truly effective, you must still practice what you did in Level 2 even as you deliver results.
Level 4 – People Development
This level shifts the focus toward others. You invest in helping people become leaders themselves. Mentorship, coaching, giving opportunities – they all matter here.
Leaders at this level reproduce themselves by empowering others. When you develop people, you multiply your impact. You grow teams that can thrive, grow, and lead in turn.
It’s not just about growing your influence – it’s about growing the influence of others. Trust begins to deepen further, not only because of what you do, but also because of what you’ve done for others.
Level 5 – Pinnacle
This is the highest level. Few reach it, because it represents the fusion of position, permission, production, and people development over long periods of time.
At this level, people follow you because of who you are and what you represent. Your influence extends beyond your own organization or direct reports. You’ve built a legacy, earned respect, and helped shape culture – possibly even across industries.
Reaching Pinnacle leadership takes consistency, humility, vision, time, and a commitment to serving people at every level.
Key Takeaways & How to Grow
- Leadership builds sequentially. You don’t skip levels – you grow through them.
- Each level depends on what came before: you must hold your influence at Level 1 and 2 to succeed at Level 3 and above.
- Growth requires intentional effort. Invest in self-awareness, relationship building, results delivery, and mentorship.
- Legacy is a long game. Pinnacle leaders are often those who have remained true to their values, stayed consistent, and invested in people over time.
How to Apply It in Your Life
- Identify which level you currently lead from. Be honest: Do people follow you because of your title, relationship, results, or your impact developing others?
- For the level you’re at, determine what it would take to move to the next one. If you’re at Level 2 (Permission), maybe focus on producing tangible results. If at Level 3, start mentoring and lifting others.
- Track your progress regularly. Set goals that align with your next level: relationship-goals, productivity metrics, mentorship commitments.
- Remember: even if you reach higher levels, you still need to practice what built the earlier levels. Trust and relationships never stop being part of leadership.
Final Thoughts
Leadership is not just about the today – it’s about the journey. The five levels offer a roadmap. Whether you lead in your home, your community, at work, or in your field, these levels help illuminate where you are now and where you can grow.
