How 'The 5 Levels of Leadership' Awakened the Leader in Me

When I took the book the 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell, I could not imagine that reading it would impact my heart. I thought that the book was going to be filled with business guidelines and large-scale grammar. But what I came across was a message that appealed to me as a woman, as a Nigerian and as one who wants to develop in life. The book is not merely on how to be a leader at work. It is connected with the idea of how to make your own life, how to make others grow and on how to be a person worth following.  Maxwell does not write complexly, yet potent. He simplifies the structure of leadership to five levels and each level is an experience as a piece of a personal journey. I was able to identify myself with every chapter as I read. I was so much moved as I read page after page. I cried. I smiled. I reflected. I even prayed. The book is what stirred me up. ### Level One: Position This is where many people start. You are given a title or a job. People follow you because they have to. When I read this, I remembered my first job after NYSC. My boss had the title, but he had no heart for people. We feared him, but we never respected him. Maxwell says the position is the lowest level of leadership. If you stop here, you are not truly leading. I saw myself in those moments when I thought having a title made me a leader. I felt ashamed. But also hopeful, because I now understood that it was just the beginning. ### Level Two: Permission Here, people follow you because they want to. You build relationships. You show care. This chapter made me cry. It reminded me of my late auntie, who never shouted, but everyone listened to her. She loved deeply, and we followed her out of love. Maxwell says you must listen, understand, and connect. As a woman, this touched me. Many times, we lead in silence. In our homes. In our communities. Without titles. Yet our influence is strong. This level gave me courage. It told me I don’t need a loud voice to lead. I just need a loving heart. ### Level Three: Production This is a point at which you will begin to see your results. Followers follow you due to the deeds that you have accomplished. When I read this I hesitated. I reflected on the fact that women have been told by society to shut up, to stay behind. Yet, Maxwell tells that leaders need to demonstrate outcomes. Neither is it ego. It is evidence. I reflected on the mini achievements I have had. The moments when I assisted a team. The moments that I had organized an event and it became successful. I would cover those wins up. This chapter informed me that it is alright to be a star. It is alright to be seen. Others can be inspired by your results. ### Level Number Four: People Development   It is this part that appealed to my soul. On this level, you do not only develop yourself. You are producing people. You are raising people. You are developing leaders. I wept when I read this. Because I thought about all the young girls I have met who feel lost, OR who feel worthless. I noticed their faces. And I said, what am I doing to raise them? According to Maxwell, good leaders make others achieve success. I put that down in my journal. I made it three times underlined. I would like to be such a leader. Not the one who pushes others down but the one who pulls others up. ### Top: Level Five This is the top-most level. In this case, individuals will follow you even due to who you are and what you represent. It does not depend on you as to what position you hold, what power you have, nor whether you have achieved something. And it is about your legacy. When I read this chapter I experienced a very intense nature of silence within myself. I considered myself about what I would like to be as a woman. That type of mother sister and mentor friend. I want to make a mark as a woman. A wife that is recalled through her love, her power and through her leadership. The aspect that made this book special to me is its personal feel. Maxwell tells tales, cases, and facts that are simple to follow. But lessons run deep. I was moved to think about my personal life, personal decision, and personal future. I put tough questions to myself. Am I a good leader? Where do I love my neighbours? Am I developing? This book is not only directed at managers or business owners. It belongs to all women that intend to live purposefully. Any girl that wants to grow. All the Nigerian women that have been made to feel they are not good enough. According to this book, you are enough. And you can lead."   The manner in which each of the levels provided an opening to a new door was what kept me reading. I was dying to know the next step. I also wished to understand how I can improve. I thought I knew about leadership but Maxwell pushed it deep. And deeper. And deeper. Until I got to the end with tears in my eyes and fire in my heart. The reflections are posted at the end of every chapter. And it happened to me that I was even writing. Reflecting. Planning. Dreaming. To read this book is more than reading. It is a device. A map. A light. To all Nigerian women reading this I say: please read this book. Do not postpone until you have a seat in a big office or a fine title. Start now. Be where you are. Be love. Begin with listening. Make it step by step. Since authentic leadership can only come within you. This is a book that made me learn that, leadership is not power. It is all of purpose. It has to do with people. It is all about passion. It has to do with legacy.  So on that note I concluded this review with a question Maxwell asked me to consider: What is my ideal leader? It is not in all cases apparent. However, there is something certain, I would like to ascend the five levels. I need to be a good leader. I wish to live well. And I would like to love it so much. Thanks John C. Maxwell, this is a great book. You have put something into my heart. And already it is swelling.