Friends, I would like to share some things about leadership from the book “Developing the leader within YOU” by John C. Maxwell (1993). This book is very well-recommended! Here, I put some points of summary about the content of the book. May you be inspired! 
- The definition of leadership : Influence
- The key to leadership : Priorities
- The most important ingredient of leadership : Integrity
- The ultimate test of leadership : Creating positive change
- The quickest way to gain leadership : Problem solving
- The extra plus in leadership : Attitude
- Developing your most appreciable asset : People
- The indispensable quality of leadership : Vision
- The price tag of leadership : Self-discipline
- The most important lesson of leadership : Staff development
THE LEADERSHIP LEVEL 5
if you guys still remind this part, we got this when in ILC… pak Arief explained a lot about these points…
Level 1 Position (Rights)
- Basic entry level of leadership
- The only influence you have is that which comes with a title
- People follow because they have to, e.g: you are the head of an organization
- Characteristics of a positional leader :
- Security is based on title, not talent
- This level is often gained by appointment
- People will not follow a positional leader beyond his stated authority
- Positional leaders have more difficulty working with volunteers, white-collar workers, and younger people
- Note : your influence will not extend beyond the lines of your job description. The longer you stay here, the higher the turnover and the lower the morale
Level 2 Permission (Relationships)
- Second level of influence and the foundation of leadership
- A person will lead by interrelationships
- People get together just to get together, no other objective
- People follow because they want to
- Follower loves the leader
- Note : people will follow you beyond your stated authority. This level allows work to be fun. Staying too long on this level without rising will cause highly motivated people to become restless
Level 3 Productions (Results)
- People come together to accomplish a purpose
- Result-oriented
- People follow because of what you have done for the organization
- Follower admires the leader
- Note : this is where success is sensed by most people. They like you and what you are doing. Problems are fixed with very little effort because of momentum
Level 4 People development (Reproduction)
- A leader is great, not because of his or her power, but because of his or her ability to empower others
- Mentorship of the leader
- People follow because of what you have done for them
- Follower is loyal to the leader because you win people’s hearts by helping them grow personally
- Note : this is where long-range growth occurs. Your commitment to developing leaders will ensure ongoing growth to the organization and to people. Do whatever you can to achieve and stay on this level
Level 5 Personhood (Respect)
- Only a lifetime of proven leadership will allow us to sit at level 5 but it’s achievable
- People follow because of who you are and what you represent
- Note : this step is reserved for leaders who have spent years growing people and organizations. Few make it. Those who do are bigger than life
BIG NOTE :
- If you are leading a group of people, you will not be on the same level with everyone
- For your leadership to remain effective, it is essential that you take the other influencers within the group with you to higher level
I hope you will gain something from this summary. Keep leading with the best leadership ways you have! Keep inspiring! Cheers! ^-^
Warm regards.
Faculty of Nursing Universitas Indonesia
2007
Nurul Aeni
