When people think of leadership, they often imagine authority, titles, or hierarchy. But true leadership runs much deeper. As John C. Maxwell teaches in his classic framework, there are five levels of leadership—and only the highest levels create lasting influence.
Linda Cureton, who began her journey as a systems programmer before becoming a senior executive and CEO, learned firsthand why Maxwell’s framework matters. Her story highlights how leaders move from positional authority to authentic influence.
Position: Leadership by Title
Every leader begins here. Your position gives you authority, but it doesn’t guarantee influence.
As a VM team leader at IBM, Cureton held a position of authority. She helped teammates debug code, prepared the team for future challenges, and took accountability when things went wrong—even if it meant late nights fueled by coffee and donuts.
But this level has limits. People follow because they have to, not because they want to.
Lesson: A title makes you a manager. What you do with it determines if you’ll become a leader.
Permission: Leadership by Relationship
The second level is permission—where people follow you because they want to. Influence comes not from title but from trust and respect.
Cureton compares it to a jury foreman, chosen not for rank but for credibility among peers. At this level, leaders build relationships, listen, and earn the right to lead.
Lesson: Influence is granted by followers. You earn it through trust, not command.
Production: Leadership by Results
At the third level, people follow because of what you’ve accomplished for them and for the organization. Leaders here are producers who deliver results and raise standards.
Think of the quarterback who throws a last-second touchdown. People follow not just the role but the track record. Cureton emphasizes that this level of leadership builds momentum and credibility through visible wins.
Lesson: Results speak louder than titles. Production creates proof of leadership.
People Development: Leadership by Investment
Though not deeply covered in this story, Maxwell includes a fourth level: people development. At this stage, leaders are followed because they invest in others—mentoring, coaching, and multiplying leadership capacity.
Lesson: The highest-performing leaders create other leaders, not just more followers.
Personhood: Leadership by Respect
At the fifth level, people follow you because of who you are and what you represent. This is the realm of legacy. Leaders at this stage are deeply respected and admired for their character, authenticity, and impact.
Cureton explains that personhood is not about perfection but about embodying values so consistently that people want to follow you.
Lesson: Personhood is the summit of leadership—earned over time through authenticity and courage.
Conclusion: The Journey Through Levels of Leadership
From programmer to executive, Cureton’s journey proves Maxwell’s insight: leadership is not about position, but progression. Titles open the door, but influence grows through trust, results, and authenticity.
Call to Action
This week, ask yourself: Which level of leadership am I operating in today? What one step can I take to move higher—building trust, producing results, developing people, or strengthening authenticity? Remember: the goal isn’t to hold a position. It’s to become a leader people follow because of who you are.
