Leading by position
John Maxwell says it well: “Leaders have followers, who’s following you?” If you have followers, chances are you are a leader. What type of leader are you? Are you a leader because someone saw potential in you and gave you your position, or you are there because you have a history of leadership and people want to be around you?
John Maxwell gives us 5 levels of leadership. In this article we will look at “leading by position.”
1. Leading by position, what does that mean?
- We often combine the term “leadership” with “management.” Managers, tell people what to do. If you’re at this level of leadership, you are in your position because someone believed you have what it takes to be a great leader. Someone trusts you enough to give you the responsibility to influence other people. Traditionally, this position used to be delegated, but in the last 10 years, true leaders have emerged because there have been more opportunities available to them to demonstrate their potential.
2. A leadership position is given to someone with a degree of authority.
- This leadership position is given to someone whose potential to grow the cause or organization has been recognized and, at the right time, is called upon to use that authority with wisdom and influence.
3. A leadership position is only the beginning of your leadership development.
- From any moment, you have the potential to either become a great leader or to stay where you are in your current season. You have not achieved leadership success merely by gaining a leadership position. To become a great leader, it is crucial you invest in yourself and grow in your ability and knowledge as a leader.
4. A leadership position allows potential leaders to shape and define their leadership style.
- Once you’re in a role of greater influence, ask yourself how you want to be known. This is your opportunity to decide what kind of leader you will be. Though your position is defined, how you lead will be determined by your values and character. You can be a good, bad, or great leader, the choice is in your hands. Here are some questions to ask yourself that will help shape you as a leader:
- Am I a team builder?
- Do I want to be known as an encourager?
- Do I give orders or ask questions?
- How will I treat people?
- What type of example do I want to set?
An invitation to lead is an invitation to make a difference, and a leadership position is only the beginning of your journey. Great leadership changes peoples’ lives, forms teams, builds organizations, impacts communities and transforms the world. What type of leader will you be?