The Level 7 Framework helps express the various approaches and dynamics of leadership. Traditional approaches to leadership are depicted in the lower levels, that require transformation (Refinement that leads to Authenticity) to foster growth into the upper levels of leadership.
Positional Leaders gain their influence through their position, rank or role, and tend to use power and fear to create focused execution and results.
Relational Leaders rely on the influence they create with others through personal relationships and interpersonal skills.
Inspirational leaders are often visionaries and rely primarily on their ability to create excitement and energy around ideas and possibilities.
Authentic Leaders pursue trust and authenticity … which facilitates the pursuit of the upper levels of leadership. Authenticity sits as the gateway between the lower and upper levels of leadership.
Steward / Servant Leaders act on behalf of others and never seek to make decisions based on self-interest. The organization is not about the leader … to serve the leader … rather the leader takes a position of serving the organization
Legacy Leaders not only seek to leave a legacy for others, but more so, they seek to leave a legacy ‘IN’ others, by giving themselves to and for others’ growth and good. Legacy Leaders actively invest in the lives of others.
LEVEL 7 LEADERS
are motivated and driven by love … a love that places a high value on others. This type of love is the central unifying force for individuals, leaders, teams and organizations. It puts every other approach to leading in proper perspective. and properly empowers, Relational, Inspirational, Authentic, Steward and Legacy Leadership.
While aspects of Positional, Relational and Inspirational leadership are required to create effective teams and organizations, TRUST is the foundational principle required for the highest levels of leadership. And trust, requires AUTHENTICITY.
Authenticity is the quality of being exactly as claimed. If something (or someone) is authentic, it’s considered real or genuine … its something that is entitled to acceptance or belief based on the agreement of known facts or experience (Websters and dictionary.com)