The 5 Levels of Leadership: Level 2 – How To Be a Good Leader
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
The 5 Levels of Leadership: Level 2
~How To Be a Good Leader~
John C. Maxwell has been lecturing on the subject of leadership for over 30 years. His latest book, The 5 Levels of Leadership, combines everything that he has learned and taught about the levels of leadership.
If you missed the post on Level 1, you can find it here: /zrodreques/the-5-levels-of-leadership-level-1-how-to-be-a-good-leader/
2nd Level of Leadership: Permission
In the Permission level of leadership, people like you and give you permission to lead them. This level of leadership is based on relationships. People are following you, because they want to. Unlike level one, there is increased energy and commitment. People will give you extra effort. A synergy develops and people start working together. This leads to increased success.
So, how exactly do you get to level 2?
Developing Leadership Skills
In the 70s, Maxwell heard Zig Ziglar speak for the first time, and he said something that has always stuck with him. “If you help other people get what they want, they’ll help you get what you want.” Leading is all about others. Find where the leaders are. Find out what their dreams and passions are — what motivates them. Connect with them on their level, and bring them to the level where they want to be. The second level of leadership is all about relating, connecting, and putting others first.
Another important aspect of the Permission level is encouragement. You achieve the position of a level 2 leader by encouraging others. Maxwell tells a story of having dinner with Truett Cathy of the Chick-fil-A company.
Cathy asked Maxwell, “How can you tell when people need encouragement?”
Maxwell replied, “I don’t know.”
Cathy responded, “If they are breathing.”
Eureka!
No matter who we are and what level we are on, we all need encouragement. Level 2 is the level when you will be able to do this. You will be able to “breathe life into the spirit of people.” You encourage them to grow and be better.
Advice for Level 2
Using the Permission Level to Learn How To Be A Good Leader
Relationships make leadership great, but they don’t make leadership effective. Just because you are working with people you like and who like you, it doesn’t mean you are good at what you do. Liking people is not enough. Just like level 2, level 3 is a good level to be on; but not good to stay on.
Homework
To prepare yourself for the transition to level 3, do these two things everyday for the next month.
1-Every morning ask yourself, “Who can I add value to and how can I do it?”
2-At the end of the day ask yourself, “Who did I add value to and how did I do it?”
If you can do this successfully everyday, you will have connected with someone and made a difference. You will be well on your way to the third level of leadership.
**Please, stay tuned for the next article on the levels of leadership, The 5 Levels of Leadership: Level 3
Much love,
Zippora Rodreques
P.S. To join a company that is creating new leaders everyday, visit Empower Network – Creating Leaders
P.P.S. Learn how to be a good leader and develop your leadership skills! Get John C. Maxwell‘s book: