How Successful People Lead: Taking Your Influence to the Next Level

Successful People

by John C. Maxwell

In this perfectly compact read, #1 New York Times bestselling author John C. Maxwell explains how true leadership works.It is not generated by your title. In fact, being named to a position is the lowest of the five levels every effective leader achieves. To be more than a boss people are required to follow, you must master the ability to inspire and invest in people. You need to build a team that produces not only results, but also future leaders. By combining the advice contained in these pages with skill and dedication, you can reach the pinnacle of leadership-where your influence extends beyond your immediate reach for the benefit of others. Derived from material previously published in the Wall Street Journal bestseller The 5 Levels of Leadership.

Genres: Leadership, Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Management, Personal Growth

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

John Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Some of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List.

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can't lead, you won't be successful. Leadership can be learned, if you study hard. You want to strive to be a pinnacle leader - people follow you because of who you are and what you represent.

What is your leadership potential? Do you have people that believe in you?

True leadership is not about position...so don't hang your hat on this level of leadership.

How do you motivate a "good enough" worker?

You can't lead people if you don't like them...

Understand how your personal gifts contribute to your vision then to the vision of your organization

Developing other leaders is a life commitment not a job commitment

True leaders show their passion in all that they do...

[Giv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply just transformational to me. It makes me reflect on what kind of leader I want to be, and which level of leadership I aspire to grow into (level 1- position; level 2- permission; level 3- production; level 4- people development and level 5- pinnacle).

Leadership position can be given to you, but a leadership position does not make you a leader. It is an opportunity to become a leader.

[Ilib4kids · Rating 2 out of 5]

658.4092 MAX
PLAYER 658.4092 MAX
Level 1: Position:people follow you because they have to
Level 2: Permission:people follow you because they want to
Level 3: Production:people follow because of what you have done for the organization.
Level 4: People Development:people follow because of what you have done for them.
Level 5: Pinnacle:people follow because of who you are and what you represent.

[lana]

“If you think you’re leading but nobody is following, then you’re only taking a walk.”

“People are like trees: give them what they need to grow on a continual basis for long enough and they will grow from the inside out. And they will bear fruit.”

This wonderful book started off as a 5 star, but after I got into the details, I realized how much this book would really help someone in a newly found leadership position… but not so much myself 🫠. Nevertheless, I strongly feel as though I’ve read something that will surely help me with my future leadership encounterances.

[Vikrama Dhiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost a 5 Star. This is one of the books I am going to include along with Julie Zhou's Making of Manager. The more lucid explanation of leadership levels and how to proceed towards them. The narrative thins as it moves higher up the levels and does not cover the challenges in different settings. Still, will be a very very rewarding read. Pick this one up.

[lottie matthews 🐰ྀིྀིྀིྀིྀི · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was pretty good at the start but I honestly lost interest. I believe this book is good for long plane rides or road trips but it just is not that interesting. I bought this at an airport because I felt all preppy for college but nah it just wasnt for me. usually Im salty when writing these but I have too much respect for the author LMFAOO. Sooooooooo this book is very much mid.

[Noor Abu Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, a must read .. I enjoy reading each level and do some reflection.

[Khalid Fouda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, must read for anyone in a leadership journey

[Molly Huie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick, concise book to help you identify and improve your level of leadership. I'd recommend to anyone leading (or looking to lead) a high performing team.

[Michaela Lesley Minckler]

No rating because I had to read this for work. It was fine, but very repetitive. As short as this book is, it could have been a lot shorter.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leadership is a journey, not a destination, and in "How Successful People Lead," John C. Maxwell outlines the five levels of leadership, showing that influence is not about a title but about the impact and growth one creates. Leaders do not simply dictate; they inspire, motivate, and cultivate environments that foster success. Maxwell’s framework provides a structured approach to developing leadership capabilities, emphasizing that true leadership is earned through respect, value, and genuine commitment rather than just authority.

Upon receiving a leadership title, the journey begins at the foundational level, where authority is granted but not yet earned. Many leaders mistakenly believe that holding a position automatically makes them effective, but in reality, it is merely the first step. A true leader must embrace responsibility, embody strong values, and set a standard of integrity for those they lead. By reflecting on personal principles, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and embracing continuous self-improvement, leaders can ensure they are well-equipped to guide others.

One of the most significant aspects of this stage is moving away from outdated leadership models that emphasize hierarchy and control. The modern leader recognizes that influence comes from collaboration, support, and creating an environment where team members feel valued. This shift in mindset from authority to mentorship is crucial for advancing to the next level of leadership.

The second level, permission, is reached when people begin to follow a leader because they want to, not because they have to. This transformation occurs when a leader builds strong relationships based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Leaders who remain at the first level often isolate themselves, failing to seek input or feedback from their team. In contrast, those who reach the second level actively engage with others, listen to different perspectives, and encourage collaboration.

When leaders cultivate trust and build genuine connections, it generates positive momentum within an organization. Open communication leads to teamwork, increased innovation, and a more cohesive work environment. However, with this increased engagement comes challenges, such as managing different personalities, ensuring that all voices are heard, and preventing individuals from exploiting a positive work culture for personal gain. Effective leaders navigate these complexities by addressing issues candidly while maintaining an atmosphere of encouragement and empowerment.

Once a leader establishes strong relationships, they can advance to the third level: production. At this stage, leaders demonstrate their effectiveness by delivering tangible results. Influence is no longer just about personal relationships; it is about leading a team to achieve success together. Leaders at this level have gained the trust and confidence of their followers, and they use this credibility to drive productivity and innovation.

A leader’s ability to produce results sets them apart and establishes legitimacy. However, simply working hard is not enough. Strategic decision-making, prioritization, and focusing on high-impact initiatives are essential for maintaining momentum. Leaders must recognize that not all team members contribute equally to progress. Some individuals actively drive momentum, others participate but do not significantly enhance productivity, and some resist or disrupt forward movement. Effective leaders identify and nurture the high performers while addressing obstacles that hinder team success.

Sustaining results at this level requires balancing motivation and accountability. A successful leader recognizes and rewards contributions, ensuring that the team remains engaged and inspired. Simultaneously, they must delegate effectively, trust their team, and avoid micromanagement. Those who master this stage move beyond short-term successes and start thinking about long-term impact.

The fourth level of leadership is people development. True leaders understand that their success is not measured solely by their achievements but by their ability to cultivate new leaders. This stage requires a shift in focus from personal accomplishments to mentorship, coaching, and creating opportunities for others to step into leadership roles.

Developing leaders within an organization ensures sustained growth and adaptability. Successful leaders identify individuals with leadership potential by evaluating their character, work ethic, and ability to handle challenges. A strong mentorship relationship is built on trust, respect, and shared values. Leaders at this level recognize that their legacy is not just about what they accomplish but about the leaders they help develop.

At this stage, ego can become an obstacle. Some leaders struggle to share the spotlight or fear that mentoring others might diminish their own influence. However, true leadership requires humility and the willingness to elevate others. Those who embrace this mindset find immense fulfillment in watching their mentees succeed and, in turn, contribute to a larger leadership culture within the organization.

The fifth and final level is pinnacle leadership, where influence extends beyond an organization and leaves a lasting legacy. Leaders who reach this level are seen as industry pioneers, respected across different fields, and valued for their wisdom and contributions. Their leadership impact continues even after they step down from their roles.

Creating a legacy requires intentional mentorship, forward-thinking strategies, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Leaders at this stage must actively cultivate the next generation of leaders, ensuring that their influence endures. One of the biggest challenges at this level is avoiding complacency. Success can sometimes lead to overconfidence, which makes it easy to overlook the need for continued growth and accountability. To stay grounded, pinnacle leaders surround themselves with trusted advisors who provide honest feedback and keep them accountable.

Another critical aspect of this level is succession planning. Many leaders avoid discussing their eventual departure, but those who fail to plan risk undermining their legacy. Effective leaders embrace the reality of transition and invest in grooming successors early in their careers. By doing so, they ensure that their influence and the principles they upheld remain embedded within the organization’s culture.

Reaching level five in leadership is not about personal accolades; it is about using influence responsibly and creating opportunities for others. The most successful leaders are those who empower others to lead, fostering an environment where leadership is not confined to one individual but is a shared responsibility within an organization. This ensures that the impact of a leader extends far beyond their tenure, leaving a meaningful and lasting imprint on the industry and the people they have guided.

The overarching message in "How Successful People Lead" is that leadership is a progressive journey through five levels: positional leadership, permission-based leadership, production leadership, people development, and legacy leadership. True leadership is not about authority but about influence, impact, and the ability to bring out the best in others. Maxwell’s insights emphasize the importance of continuous growth, relationship-building, and the development of future leaders. By understanding and mastering these levels, individuals can evolve from being mere managers to influential leaders who inspire lasting change and leave a meaningful legacy.

[Ghuraify Alawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

لكونه أحد أهم من كتبوا عن القيادة في عصرنا الحديث، يعتبر فكر ماكسويل مرجعًا مهمًا في الإدارة، وكتاباته دائما تأخذ منحى عمليًا يضع من خلالها توجيهات لنقل الأفكار إلى حيز التنفيذ.

وكتابه هذا عن القيادة يعتبر ملخصا لكتاب مهم أكثر عمقًا واتساعًا وتفصيلا، يحمل ذات المستويات الخمسة لتطور القيادة فلسفة وفهمًا وممارسة التي يمر من خلالها القائد.

وربما كانت أهم فكرة يعززها الكاتب هي أن المستويات الخمسة تمثل تطورًا في فهم القائد لموقعه وأهمية اكتساب مستوى أفضل من المهارات والمعرفة لينقل مفهوم القائد إلى المستوى التالي، كما أن المستويات ذاتها تمثل نقلات متتالية في فهم الآخر، القيادة الإنسانية، حيث تشير كتابات ماكسويل إلى نمو أهمية الانسان كشرط لنمو مستوى القيادة.

لذا فإن صعود أي شخص في سلم القيادة منوط بعزيمته وقراره للخروج من قفص الراحة، والتحرر مما اعتاد عليه، واعتناق التحدي والمجازفة، والسعي للولوج في عالم التغيير دون تردد أو خوف، وفهمه بمتطلبات الوصول إلى المستويات العالية ليكون مؤثرًا وقائدًا ناجحًا، وبهذا الفهم تكون القيادة رحلة حياة، يتسامى من خلالها القائد ويحيي نفوسا حوله ويمنحها حياة وفرصا لتتسامى كقيادات جديدة.

حالة الانقياد، وهي روح القيادة، تأتي من خصائص القائد وتتغير مع الصعود في المستويات المختلفة:

١- الإنقياد القسري بسبب الموقع الوظيفي للمدير
٢- الإنقياد بسبب رغبة التابعين
٣- الإنقياد بسبب ما ينجزه القائد للمؤسسة
٤- الإنقياد بسبب ما يقدمه القائد للتابعين
٥- الإنقياد بسبب ما يمثله القائد من قيم وما يمتلك من كاريزما

جعل الكاتب مضامين كتابه تسير وفق خطة يمكن توظيفها كمنهج لإعداد القادة والصعود بالتابعين إلى المستويات المختلفة ضمن خطة مفصلة.

[Jim Serger · Rating 5 out of 5]

To LEAD means a great deal to so many people and organizations as well as sports teams and politics. But to lead successfully is a whole new ball game, with that this book shares the 5 stages of growth in terms of what being a leader entails. John Maxwell, leadership guru explains the pros and cons of each level one must achieve in order to grow to the next level while maintaining what he/she has learned at previous level. Excellent book on the levels of being a leader.

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book doesn’t tell you how to be a successful leader. It defines levels of leadership, and what that looks like. Really the hardest part is how to do it, and this book does not answer that question. Also didn’t love the structure of the book. The table of contents shows how I would expect this book to be structured, but I found the chapters to go in circles and be repetitive. A good book for what it is, just not fully what I expected from the title.

[David Vogelsang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! In this quick read, John C. Maxwell breaks down the complexity of successful leadership into 5 incredibly easy-to-understand steps:
Step 1 - I do it (competence).
Step 2 - I do it and you are with me (demonstration).
Step 3 - You do it an I am with you (coaching).
Step 4 - You do it (empowerment).
step 5 - You do it and someone is with you (reproduction).
Brilliant!

[Ha Thu Hoang · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Leading as a verb, not a noun:
+ Leadership is a process, not a position.
+ Management # leadership: management is at its best when things stay the same; leadership deals with people and their dynamics, which are continually changing.
=> The challenge of leadership is to create change and facilitate growth.
- The 5 Levels of Leadership provides clear steps for leadership growth.
-> Lead people well and help members of your team to become effective leaders, and a successful career path is almost guaranteed.

- How leadership works?
Level 1: Position (RIGHTS) - People follow you because they have to: Position is a poor substitute for influence.
Level 2: Permission (RELATIONSHIPS) - People follow you because they want to: people build solid, lasting relationships. You can like people without leading them, but you can not lead people well without liking them.
Level 3: Production (RESULTS) - People follow you because of what you have done for the organization.
Level 4: People development (REPRODUCTION) - People follow you because of what you have done for them: Level 4 leaders change the lives of people they lead, and people follow them because of that.
Level 5: Pinnacle (RESPECT) - People follow you because of who you are and what you represent.

- Insights on Leading from the levels:
1. You can move up a level but you never leave the previous one behind
2. You are not on the same level with every person: People will respond to you based on the level of leadership you've established with them.
3. The higher you go, the easier it is to lead others.
4. The higher you go, the more time and commitment is required to win a level.
5. Moving up occurs slowly, but going down can happen quickly: The more you've advanced up the levels, the more secure your leadership is.
6. The higher you go, the greater the return: The better the leaders are in an organization, the better everyone in the organization becomes.
7. Moving father up always requires further growth: To grow to a new level, leaders take risks.
8. Not climbing the levels limits you and your people: "Leadership ability determines a person's level of effectiveness".
9. When you change positions or organizations, you seldom stay at the same level: Leadership life wil almost always require them to start again at the bottom more than once.
10. You cannot climb the levels alone: To succeed as a leader, you must help others follow you up the levels.

Note:
1. The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
2. Colin Powell noted: "Good leadership involves responsibility to the welfare of the group, which means that some people will get angry at your actions and decisions. It's inevitable - if you're honorable"
3. Leaders should spend less time trying to fix problems and more trying to create momentum. (Level 3)
4. Pareto principle: If you do the top 20 percent of your to-do list, it will yield an 80 percent return on your efforts.
+ 80% time - work in strength zone
+ 15% time - work in a learning zone
+ 5% time - work outside strength zone
+ 0% time - work in weakness zone
5. A leader on People Development (Level 4) puts only 20% focus on personal productivity while putting 80% on developing and leading others.
6. As you look at potential leaders, try to assess their capacity in the following areas:
- Stress Management
- Skill
- Thinking
- Leadership
- Attitude
7. Equipping-Helping others do their jobs well: a 5-step equipping process.
+ Step 1: I do it (competence)
+ Step 2: I do it and you are with me (demonstration)
+ Step 3: You do it and I am with you (coaching)
+ Step 4: You do it (empowerment)
+ Step 5: You do it and someone is with you (reproduction)
8. Lifelong process of leadership in 3 phrases: learn, earn, return.

[Aimee Tariq · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I’ve found a book worth a full five star rating; especially a business book. Most are filled with superficial anecdotes, tips, and fake motivation that only the brain dead appreciate.

Being a good leader is being a good parent is being a good spouse. It doesn’t stop at business; these skills carry over to all of your relationships, especially the ones that (should) matter most.

The book describes all types of leaderships; from the dreaded boss that pretends to work while leaving the rest to the few capable workers and working them to the bone until they leave to be treated better elsewhere, resulting in the company only having average or below average workers. We have all experienced bosses like that; ruled by their ego, who think they’re great because of a title, but are threatened by anyone who actually shows promise of real skill. They create a toxic work place. They ruin the company.

Then it describes the boss everyone wishes they had and few have the courage to become. The one that leads with understanding, and treats employees as humans not machines, and values their personal goals and desires along with kindling their skills for the workplace. The boss that saves the day- not through her own brilliance but because she is able to cultivate the brilliance of her team. The company flourishes and the work place is safe to create creative solutions and problem solve laterally. Rules aren’t black and white and there’s flexibility for humans to be humans.

The main message is an obvious one that unfortunately many forget: the greatest asset of a company is its people. The people make the company. Without people, there’s no company. Your company isn’t succeeding because of a playbook or a script. It’s succeeding because of the people leading it; the better they lead, the better the results.

[Nex Juice · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, he identifies 5 levels of leadership:

1) Position - This is the most basic of the forms of leadership. It is based on position alone. You are a leader by title, and people only listen to you because they have to.
2) Permission - This is the level of leadership where people listen to you because they WANT to. They respect you and feel valued and heard in the group.
3) Production - Morale among the team is important, but the team can only exist as long as it is effective. This is the level of leadership where the group is accomplishing its purpose and having positive results.
4) People Development  - At this stage, the leader is identifying and elevating new leaders among the group, to take their place.
5) Pinnacle - The pinnacle of leadership, according to Maxwell, is when you have brought up a new leader that has moved through all four previous stages.

Check out my live book review and summary on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/2ehQBUdVd6Q

[Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Reads 2025(14 out of 34): As far as leadership books go I say this is the best foundational book you can read. I took so many great tactics and lessons from this book that I can implement in my daily growth as a leader. I would recommend this to anyone who is leading large or small groups. I would even recommend the book to anyone who is an individual contributor who partners with other associates on a daily basis. The best part of this book is I like how it focuses on not being selfish as a leader. Focusing on growing others and developing talents are the keys to building a strong unit that is well prepared for future growth. Highly impressed by this book that is just a 150 page read. I will be reading the remaining books in this series! Highly recommend!! #Reading #Maxwell #booktok #leadership #JohnMaxwell

[Steven Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read about different levels of leadership and how to succeed (or fail) at each. There is the first, positional where you lead by virtue of your position, the second, where you are able to make positive and productive connections to those around you, the third where this leadership leads to concrete results, the fourth is where you are more or less able to develop and groom leaders, and the fifth, sort of a leadership nirvana.

Maxwell breaks down leadership in ways that I haven't seen, but look like obvious and simple truths. My only negative observation is that seems like this sometimes comes off more as a study of leadership, as opposed to a "how-to". Leaders of all stripes can get something out of it, and the length and breadth of it won't bog down the rest of your life.

[Ledimir · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most difficult part in leadership in a young organization as a young person is maintaining a positive attitude consistently. I must keep in mind to create an environment that is conducive to my own and other people's growth. Guard attention and focus into the people who can accompany me on this journey. Prioritize other people's growth and prioritize your own learning.

Perhaps making a time-log to see where my time goes to can help with accomplishing this vision. I also need to prioritize self-care and sleep. Matthew Walker's book will be next on my list. He writes about sleep. And I may start by watching his TED Talk too.

[Nicholas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book perusing the stacks at my local library and took a chance on it. It was a very okay read. There were occasionally interesting points, mainly in the first three levels of leadership described in the book, but otherwise it came across as very preachy. This makes sense as I learned that Maxwell is a pastor.

Most of the book is written at a very general level with few practical examples. I found myself just skimming through the latter half of the book as it became repetitive. This was a book I considered not finishing, but due to its short length I powered through. I’m sure there are better books on leadership out there that relate better to certain positions or industries.

[Alvin Soh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this easy to read book, making Leadership simple to understand. John makes it clear that there are 5 levels of leadership:

1. Lead from position, driven by your rights
People follow because they have to

2. Lead from permission, driven by your relationship
People follow because they want to

3. Lead from production, driven by your results
People follow because of what you do for organisation

4. Lead from people development, driven by your reproduction
People follow because of what you do for them

5. Lead from pinnacle, driven by respect
People follow because of what you represent

[Carolina Rondón Diplán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pasar de tener una posición de liderazgo y que tu equipo te obedezca porque no tiene de otra, a usar una posición de liderazgo para formar otros líderes que se desarrollen no solo en sus trabajos sino también en sus vidas personales es una dicha, un gran compromiso y una verdadera bendición.

Este libro te recuerda y te motiva a ser parte de equipos ganadores y organizaciones que crean bienestar a través del desarrollo consciente.

No obstante, no olvidar que las personas correctas y dispuestas a crecer son fundamentales para este proceso.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful little compact book. I bought this after reading his Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. This is another great one, and mentions more corporate / office applications for management and/or executive leadership vs. ILOL which is more general.

Even if you're not in one of these positions, read this book to learn what great leadership and well-lead organizations actually look like! (big picture, this is the stuff they don't teach ya in college!)

[Jason Ingersoll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good points here and there, and it helped me think about how I interact with those I’m responsible for in the workplace. However, I can’t help but feel that every leadership book I read breaks simple concepts down into complex concepts unnecessarily, and they also remind me of self help books that spout a lot of surface level nonsense that doesn’t really push someone toward real change. This book was no exception.

[Rafael Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend who has read multiple works by John C. Maxwell and had successfully applied his tenets of leadership into the daily operations of our workforce(military operations, specifically aircraft maintenance in the air force). This book helps you identify where you stand within the multiple levels of leadership, and offers strategy and techniques to ascend your leadership abilities to a level of influence rather than directive command

[Katherine Coble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick, good read that outlines the five levels of leadership and the pros and cons of each: position, permission, production, people development and the pinnacle. This book reminded me that while I may be a level 4 or 5 leader with some people, my level can be very different with all the people I lead. It also gave me some good thoughts on how I can encourage leaders I lead to move to deeper levels of leadership.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este es uno de los primeros libros que leo sobre liderazgo y creo que como introducción está bien pero nada más porque no ahonda demasiado en cada punto. Al principio varias cosas me hicieron sentido y fue como "Oh, cierto, es muy obvio pero no lo había pensado", pero más adelante hay temas en los que el autor se contradice, así que creo que está bien leerlo pero no con la mentalidad de que todo lo que dice el libro es ley sino con mente abierta y crítica.

[Stephen Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small book packed with so much knowledge and wisdom! As I approached the end of this book, I realized that this is sort of a manual to pick up on where you are in the process, read about what you need to maintain from the previous chapters, and then read up on where you are going! This was a great book on leadership and relationships, and I know I'm going to have to pick it up again! There was a lot in this book for being so small!