What are the 5 Levels of Leadership Assessment?

Effective leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about growing your influence, inspiring others, and leaving a legacy. For organizations and professionals in Washington, DC, understanding where you stand on your leadership journey is crucial for personal growth and organizational impact. That’s where leadership assessments come in, helping you identify your current level and chart a path forward.

The most widely recognized framework for evaluating leadership maturity is John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership. This model, used globally and embraced by top leadership development firms like Leadership Coach Group, provides a clear roadmap for progression. Let’s take a detailed look at each level, how assessments work at every stage, and why this approach is transformative for leaders and organizations alike.

Level 1: Position – The Starting Point

At the first level, leadership is based on position or title. People follow you because they have to, not because they want to. This is often the entry point for new managers or team leads.

Key Characteristics:

• Authority is derived from your role, not your influence.
• Team members comply due to organizational hierarchy.
• Focus is on task management and rule enforcement.

Assessment Focus:

• Evaluates your understanding of leadership responsibilities.
• Identifies reliance on authority versus influence.
• Highlights areas for developing trust and communication.

Example:

A newly promoted supervisor who manages by enforcing rules and procedures but hasn’t yet built strong relationships with their team.

Level 2: Permission – Building Relationships

At this stage, leadership moves from authority to influence. People follow you because they want to, thanks to the relationships and trust you’ve built.

Key Characteristics:

• Leadership is rooted in mutual respect.
• Communication is open and two-way.
• Team members feel valued and heard.

Assessment Focus:

• Measures interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Assesses ability to build rapport and trust within the team.
• Identifies strengths and gaps in relationship-building.

Example:

A manager who invests time in getting to know their team, listens actively, and motivates through encouragement rather than directives.

Level 3: Production – Delivering Results

At Level 3, leaders are judged by their ability to drive results. People follow you because of what you’ve accomplished for the organization.

Key Characteristics:

• Focus on achieving goals and delivering tangible outcomes.
• Sets high standards and leads by example.
• Builds a culture of accountability and productivity.

Assessment Focus:

• Evaluates your impact on team performance and organizational goals.
• Measures ability to inspire others to achieve results.
• Assesses skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and execution.

Example:

A department head who consistently leads their team to exceed targets, earning respect through proven results.

Level 4: People Development – Growing Future Leaders

Here, leadership is about multiplying your impact by developing others. People follow you because of what you’ve done for them personally.

Key Characteristics:

• Focus on coaching, mentoring, and empowering others.
• Invests in team members’ growth and career development.
• Creates a positive, learning-focused environment.

Assessment Focus:

• Measures effectiveness in mentoring and talent development.
• Assesses ability to delegate, empower, and build leadership pipelines.
• Identifies strengths in fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Example:

A senior leader who mentors emerging talent, provides stretch assignments, and celebrates team members’ achievements.

Level 5: Pinnacle – Creating a Lasting Legacy

At the pinnacle, leadership transcends the organization. People follow you because of who you are and what you represent. Your influence is broad, and your leadership leaves a lasting legacy.

Key Characteristics:

• Recognized as a role model and visionary.
• Inspires other leaders inside and outside the organization.
• Focuses on legacy, values, and positive societal impact.

Assessment Focus:

• Evaluate long-term influence and legacy-building.
• Measures ability to inspire and develop leaders at all levels.
• Assesses alignment with organizational values and mission.

Example:

An executive whose leadership style is emulated across industries and who is known for shaping organizational culture and developing generations of leaders.

Why Use the 5 Levels of Leadership Assessment?

Progressing through these levels isn’t automatic—it requires intentional growth, feedback, and self-reflection. Leadership assessments, especially when facilitated by experienced coaches at Leadership Coach Group, provide:

• Clear benchmarks for growth at each stage.
• Personalized feedback to address blind spots and leverage strengths.
• Actionable development plans for advancing to the next level.
• A shared language for leadership development across the organization.

How Leadership Coach Group Supports Your Leadership Journey

Based in Washington, DC, Leadership Coach Group specializes in customized leadership assessments and coaching programs that help leaders at every level advance with confidence. Their expert team uses industry-leading tools and the 5 Levels of Leadership framework to deliver deep insights and practical strategies for growth.

Whether you’re a new manager seeking to build influence or an executive aiming to leave a legacy, Leadership Coach Group is your partner for measurable, meaningful leadership development.



Ready to discover your leadership level and unlock your full potential?

Explore leadership assessments with Leadership Coach Group and take the next step on your leadership journey—wherever you are today.