Ascending the Three Levels of Leadership: Strategies for Advancement and Success

Ascending the Three Levels of Leadership: Strategies for Advancement and Success

Leadership is a critical skill that is necessary for success in both personal and professional life. At the heart of every successful organization, there is a visionary leader who has the ability to inspire and motivate their team to achieve their goals. However, becoming a great leader is not something that happens overnight. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and improve continuously.

In this article, we will explore the three levels of leadership from the perspective of John C. Maxwell, a renowned expert on leadership. We will look at the essential traits, skills, and strategies that are needed to advance through each level and emerge as an effective and inspiring leader.

Level 1: Positional Leadership
At the first level of leadership, the focus is on an individual’s title or position. People in positional leadership roles are given authority based on their position within an organization. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are leading effectively. At this level, leaders often rely on their position or power to get things done. In other words, their leadership is based on the position they hold, rather than on their personal qualities or abilities.

To be an effective positional leader, it is essential to use your authority to set clear expectations, delegate tasks appropriately, and hold team members accountable. However, true leadership goes beyond just asserting influence via position or authority. Motivating your team and leading by example, demonstrating key qualities such as flexibility, composure under stress, and empathy can help you build a strong foundation for advancing to level two.

Level 2: Relational Leadership
Level two leadership is all about building relationships. At this stage, you shift your focus from your position to the people around you. Leaders who reach this stage understand that their success relies on their ability to connect with and motivate others effectively. Moreover, their positional authority is anchored and cemented through their ability to secure followership based on their relationship skills.

An effective relational leader is empathetic and sincere, takes time to listen to and understand their team members, and supports them in their role to perform optimally. Leaders need to build strong relationships and create an environment that welcomes feedback, no matter how uncomfortable. Making sure The team has the opportunity to participate in decision-making is a key factor in their involvement and long-term commitment.

Level 3: Influential Leadership
At the third and final level of leadership, positional and relational leadership skills converge. The leader becomes a role model whose actions and decisions are driven by a more substantial vision to move their organization to the next level. Leaders who have achieved level three invest in personal growth and ongoing, lifelong learning, and are genuinely invested in the success of those they lead.

The influential leader is adept at applying his understanding of the motivations and behaviors of his team members to communicate, inspire, persuade, and lead them towards a common goal. They offer a compelling vision that inspires their team to aim higher and aspire to greater heights. Above all, at this level, the leader’s vision, strategic thinking, exceptional communication ability, emotional intelligence, and focus on the overall well-being of the team and the organization set him apart as a cut above the rest.

Conclusion
Ascending through the three levels of leadership requires a willingness to improve, focus, and learn continuously. In this article, we have reviewed the essential qualities and skills you will need to advance from positional to relational to influential leadership. Whether you are starting your leadership journey or looking to move up to the next level, following these strategies can help you become an outstanding leader that your team looks up to. Ultimately, it is how you dedicate yourself to this journey that determines the extent to which you ascend as a great leader.