How Successful People Lead summary

Congratulations! You’ve earned the title of leader – be it as founder, manager, executive, or team lead. Getting the title means that you’ve effectively demonstrated leadership potential. It also means that others are going to be looking to you for guidance, oversight, or management. 

So while landing the title does give you authority, it's what you do with it that determines whether or not you’re truly an effective leader. That’s because leadership isn’t a title or a destination, it is a process. And a dynamic one at that. Maxwell believes that there are five levels to this process, and how you grow into them will not only define your success as a leader, but also influence the success of your entire organization. 

Let’s get started at the ground level – leadership by position – where there are many opportunities and challenges to manage. 

The best way to begin your leadership journey is by thinking of it as a privilege, and not an entitlement. Sure, getting the title is something you earned, but keeping it actually means stepping up your game, not resting on laurels. Since the title comes with authority, you’ll have to take responsibility for the kind of example you want to set right from the start. This is the bedrock of leadership. To do this, reflect deeply on your values, your ideas about success, and what qualities you value most in those you work with. 

Check in with your ethics, too. Understand what values guide your decision making. Knowing the right thing to do in any situation is dependent on what you value, so clarity on your foundations is vital from the start.

Next, consider what has worked well to keep you successful thus far. This includes how you’ve kept yourself organized and on track. Get clear on other practices you need to commit to in order to thrive, like continuing education, regular exercise, time in nature, or meditation. Be sure to take an honest look at those things that haven’t been working as well. Have you been able to let go of what isn’t working and embrace change?

It is also time to let go of any outdated notions about leadership you might still be carrying. Former mindsets valued top-down approaches, where authority was absolute and competition amongst team members openly encouraged. Leaders with this intimidation mindset quickly create toxic workplaces where innovation is stifled, morale is low, and turnover is high. Instead, mastering the first level of leadership means cultivating the kind of environment that encourages everyone’s success. Where you don’t rely on your title to motivate the best in others, but on the example you set day-in and day-out supporting, developing, encouraging, engaging and collaborating with your team. This is the effort that can carry you to the next level.