Five Levels of Leadership: What Type of Leader Are You?

Leadership is not just about titles and task lists; it is about the influence, growth, and legacy you leave behind. John C. Maxwell, in his renowned framework, outlines “the five levels of leadership,” which is widely adopted by organizations and individuals seeking to enhance their leadership capacity.

But this blog isn’t just another explanation of Maxwell’s theory. This is your leadership checkpoint—a guided reflection to help you identify where you currently stand, understand what’s holding you back, and create an action plan to grow into the kind of leader others follow, not out of obligation but inspiration.

What Are the 5 Levels of Leadership? A Quick Overview

Before diving into your self-assessment, here’s a brief overview of the 5 levels of leadership, as outlined by John Maxwell. Each level represents a stage in a leader’s growth and the behaviour it inspires in followers:

Level	Follower Behaviour
1. Position	They follow you because they have to.
2. Permission	They follow you because they want to.
3. Production	They follow you because of what you achieve.
4. People Development	They follow you because of what you do for them.
5. Pinnacle	They follow you because of who you are and what you represent.

Each level builds on the one before. To grow as a leader, you must first master the current stage before advancing upward.

Check Your Leadership Level: Where Are You Now?

The Hidden Trap at Each Level

Understanding the five levels of leadership isn’t enough—you must recognize the blind spots that can quietly sabotage your progress.

Level 1 – Position: The Trap of Ego

Relying on titles and authority often fosters a sense of entitlement. The trap? Confusing compliance with commitment.

Level 2 – Permission: The Trap of Avoidance

When you value harmony too much, you may avoid tough conversations or necessary decisions. Authentic leadership involves candour and courage.

Level 3 – Production: The Trap of Burnout

High performance is excellent, but when results become your identity, you risk overworking yourself—and your team. Relationships begin to suffer.

Level 4 – People Development: The Trap of Control

Empowering others means letting go. Some leaders get stuck here because they fear delegating will diminish their value.

Level 5 – Pinnacle: The Trap of Complacency

This level is rare—but even here, leaders can stagnate. Resting on reputation instead of continuing to grow creates distance from your people.

How to Advance to the Next Level of Leadership

Wherever you are now, there’s a path forward. Here’s how to level up your leadership with action-based steps:

Position to Permission

• Focus on relationship-building. Get to know your team personally.
• Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins that aren’t task focused.
• Ask more questions and practice active listening.
  

Permission to Production

• Set clear goals and own outcomes.
• Model work ethic and accountability.
• Communicate how team success aligns with personal growth.
  

Production to People Development

• Identify potential leaders on your team and invest in their growth.
• Shift from “doing” to “developing.”
• Celebrate not just wins, but the people who made them possible.
  

People Development to Pinnacle

• Think legacy: What kind of culture will you leave behind?
• Mentor beyond your team or organization.
• Be intentional about multiplying leaders who multiply others.
  

As you grow, remember: the journey is not linear. Leadership is a dynamic, evolving practice—and so are you.

How to Advance to the Next Level

Wherever you are now, there’s a path forward. Here’s how to level up your leadership with action-based steps:

As you grow, remember: the journey is not linear. Therefore, leadership is a dynamic, evolving practice—and so are you.

Five Levels of Leadership in Action

To put this framework into perspective, consider real-world applications. In corporate settings, for example, leaders often begin at Position—tasked with managing people due to their job title. But the 5 levels of leadership offer a ladder to greater influence.

By moving into Production, leaders drive results, but it’s People Development where true transformation happens—cultivating future leaders and fostering a legacy of trust, growth, and resilience.

Maxwell’s five levels of leadership give leaders a roadmap to grow beyond transactional leadership and into a purpose-driven presence that lasts.

Grow Beyond Your Level

So, what are the 5 levels of leadership really about?

Not titles. Not checklists. But growth.

Leadership is not a destination; it’s a journey through influence, trust, and service. Knowing your current level is empowering, but what you do next is what defines you. Choose growth over comfort and purpose over position to become the leader people want to follow.

Want to stay accountable to your leadership journey? Try out our Leadership Progression Plan—a practical approach to assess, map, and act on your next move within the five levels of leadership.

So, are you ready to lead with clarity, consistency, and compassion? Will you grow beyond your title, invest in others, and create a legacy that multiplies leaders?