Every police leader has their own unique leadership style that reflects their personality, value system, knowledge, people skills and overall competence. Not every leader understands how leadership works or has a game plan for learning how to become a great leader. I studied several books on leadership and saw that there was not just one ideal way to lead others. There were a lot of different theories and recommended styles out there, and there was definitely no “one size fits all” that would work for every leader.

Over my years in law enforcement, I held the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, commander and chief of police. I concluded early in my career that the key to being a good leader is the ability to influence others. Once I was able to increase my influence with others, I was able to lead more effectively.

Leadership is a process, not just a title or position. To lead is to define a common purpose that transcends individual self-interest to advance an organization’s shared interest. This article will help chart a course for discovering and developing the skills and qualities needed for today’s leaders to be successful on their leadership journeys.

The five levels of leadership

Leadership deals with people and their constantly changing dynamics. Change is always occurring. The challenge of leadership is to create change and facilitate growth. Many leaders look ahead to their own career path. Their concern should be less about their own advancement than about advancing their subordinates.

I learned from my first promotion to sergeant that just wearing stripes on my uniform and getting a gold badge did not automatically grant me the knowledge and skills to be a true leader. I took classes in leadership after my first promotion and continued doing so, trying to find the key to being a successful leader.

When I attended the FBI National Academy, I found a book in its library written by John Maxwell, a bestselling author, coach, speaker and respected leadership authority. It was titled The 5 Levels of Leadership. Unlike the many other leadership books I read that dealt with complex theories and complicated recommendations, I found Maxwell’s basic premises practical, easy to digest and very informative. I did a classroom presentation based on the concepts in the book for my FBINA classmates, who were all leaders from law enforcement agencies around the world. It was well received and inspired a lot of discussion on this subject. I was able to take back a new wealth of understanding and practical knowledge on how to be a true leader.

Position

In The 5 Levels of Leadership, John Maxwell describes these levels in understandable steps to provide a clear game plan for leadership development, aligning leadership practices, principles and values. Level 1 is based on position. First and foremost, leadership does not come from a title or rank. A promotion is only the first and lowest of Maxwell’s five levels of leadership. In this initial step to a position of authority, people will follow a new leader because they are required to. Positional leadership is based on the authority granted to the title. Often people in this position rely on rules, policies and procedures to oversee people under their command. People at this level may be bosses but are not necessarily leaders. Their subordinates typically will often do just the bare minimum of what they are required to do.

Permission

The second level of leadership, according to Maxwell, is permission, which is based on relationships. People will follow a true leader because they want to. I have learned that how you value and treat your people can influence the overall work environment. Leaders can develop positive relationships that lead to influence and trust with those in their command and in their agency. Maxwell has a saying that “you can like people without leading them, but you cannot lead people well without liking them.” That is the underlying essence of Level 2.

Being a leader is an invitation to change people’s lives, build teams, make a difference in their organizations and impact their communities.

Production

Level 3 is all about production. Good leaders don’t just strive to make friends with their people or create a friendly work environment; they get things done and produce positive results. They are problem solvers and make difficult decisions that lead to necessary changes. They gain influence and credibility, and people respect and follow them because of what they have accomplished for their organization. Under good leadership, things get done, morale improves and goals are accomplished.

Good leaders manage to inspire and encourage others by taking them to another level of effectiveness. Leadership is always about others and what they achieve. These accomplishments must always be celebrated. There is no leadership without followership. The author and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek once said, “The real job of a leader is not to take charge, it’s taking care of the people in your charge.” Leaders motivate others by noticing, commenting and encouraging.

People development and finding your why

Leaders also become great because of their ability to encourage and empower people. In Level 4, they use their position, relationships and productivity to develop their followers to become future leaders themselves. It focuses on people development.

Level 4 is all about teamwork. Teamwork deepens relationships, strengthens loyalty and increases performance. Good leaders can change their subordinates’ lives. People will appreciate and follow their mentors and continue to become great leaders. A real leader’s legacy is not a retirement plaque, but rather their development of future leaders to follow in their footsteps. A leadership position can be received in a day, but leadership development is a lifelong process.

I heard Simon Sinek speak at an IACP conference in San Diego back in 2016. As I listened that afternoon, I was impressed with his passion to guide others toward fulfillment in both their professional and personal lives. He spoke about a concept called finding your “why,” which intrigued me. Sinek explained the principles of what he referred to as the “Golden Circle.” Within the outer two layers of this circle are the words “what” and “how.” In the center of the circle is the word “why.” He explained that it isn’t a matter of “what” we do or “how” we do it that matters. It’s the reason we do it, our true purpose — or, as he called it, our “why” — that really matters. Sinek said that by starting with understanding our own “why,” great leaders can inspire action. It isn’t about just finding our own true purpose, but also about guiding and motivating others to theirs. He also said, “The true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own. Great leaders truly care about those they are privileged to lead and understand that the true cost of the leadership privilege comes at the expense of self-interest.” Sinek has a book on this topic called Start With Why.

Pinnacle

Level 5 is regarded as the highest and most difficult level of leadership. It is the pinnacle of the leadership journey. According to Maxwell, it requires not only effort, skill and intentionality, but also a high level of talent. It is a difficult task to develop others to be good leaders. Only the best leaders make it to this level.

Leaders at this level develop people to become Level 4 leaders. People follow them because of their reputation and what they represent. Level 5 leaders empower and motivate others to fulfill their leadership capabilities and responsibilities. That action transforms people and organizations. It accepts people from where they are, then takes them to their full potential.

Conclusion

The best leaders define and demonstrate their values. They promote others into leadership roles based on their leadership potential, not politics, seniority, credentials or convenience. They master the ability to inspire others not only to achieve results, but also to become future leaders. Being a leader is an invitation to change people’s lives, build teams, make a difference in their organizations and impact their communities.

Today’s police departments face many difficult challenges to truly protect and serve. Developing great leadership will go a long way to impact the effectiveness and efficiency of any police agency. When it comes to great leadership, reaching your destination requires a precise, well-planned journey that covers critical terrain. It isn’t just enough to develop your own hard skills of leadership. True leaders achieve more by helping others inspire and empower themselves.