How to Build Real Influence: Applying the Five Levels of Leadership in Your Organization
Too many leaders believe authority comes with the title alone—but true leadership is much more than just a position. The real challenge? Turning positional power into genuine influence that drives performance, loyalty, and culture.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to put the five levels of leadership (as outlined by John Maxwell and featured in a recent episode of The Fast Slow Motion Podcast with Chris Goede) into practice with your team—whether you’re building a business or leading in your community. Understanding these levels not only unlocks growth but also empowers you to develop a leadership pipeline and foster a culture of engagement.
Ready to unlock the next level of your leadership journey? Let’s break down the secrets of moving from authority to genuine influence.
Want to dive deeper? Learn more about influencing beyond titles.
Understanding the Five Levels of Leadership
What Are the Five Levels of Leadership?
The five levels of leadership framework, made famous by John Maxwell, provides a clear roadmap for developing real influence:
- Position – Influence based on the rights granted by your title.
- Permission – Influence built through relationships and trust.
- Production – Influence earned by driving results with your team.
- People Development – Influence multiplied by developing others.
- Pinnacle – Influence based on profound respect and long-term impact.
As highlighted by Chris Goede on the podcast, “Level one and level five are given to you, but where the real work happens is in the middle—connecting, producing, and developing.” Leaders gain real influence not through mandates, but by connecting, producing together, and growing others.
Practical Strategies to Build Influence at Leadership Levels 2, 3, and 4
Moving Beyond Positional Leadership
Why Title Alone Isn’t Enough
A common leadership trap is believing your position is enough to guarantee followership. As discussed in the episode, positional leaders often notice high turnover, disengaged teams, and siloed cultures—the warning signs of influence not keeping pace with organizational needs.
Real influence emerges at Levels 2–4. By intentionally connecting with your team, focusing on shared wins, and investing in their growth, you foster loyalty and engagement. As Chris Goede shares, “The only way to truly understand how to lead people effectively with the right motive is to understand what it is to truly influence people.”
How to Gain Influence in Your Business with the Five Levels of Leadership
Practical Steps to Build Influence and Drive Impact
Building Real Influence—What Leaders Can Do Right Now
Bringing the five levels to life in your organization requires actionable habits:
- Start with Connection: Take time at meetings to ask non-work questions, show curiosity, and build personal rapport. “People want to be seen, valued, and heard,” says Goede.
- Align on Results: Be clear about goals—but balance production demands with praise and recognition.
- Develop Your People: Think succession. Mentor emerging leaders, bring team members along to important meetings, and make development part of daily routines.
- Cultivate Common Language: Use frameworks (like “level two time” or “level three focus”) to quickly communicate intent and foster shared understanding.
- Personalize Your Leadership: Adjust your approach for different individuals, teams, and even generations to maximize connection and motivation.
These steps, echoed throughout the episode, help leaders progress from “have-to” authority to “want-to” influence.
How a Common Leadership Language Boosts Engagement and Influence
Resources
Looking for ways to apply this framework? Download our free leadership self-check and start taking action today.