Maxwell's Four Stages Of Influence In Leadership
Modeling
Maxwell inaugurates his four levels of influence with the vital principle of modeling. Maxwell (1997) asserts, “People …show more content…
Maxwell (1997) argues, “If the foundation of integrity is weak or fundamentally flawed, then being a person of influence becomes impossible” (p. 20). The basis for Maxwell’s argument is that integrity is the bedrock of trust that enables other people to place their confidence in the leader. If there are cracks in a leader’s integrity, he or she will not have lasting influence over people. Therefore, without integrity, a leader cannot effectively lead. On the other hand, a leader possessing integrity builds trust with his or her followers. Maxwell (1997) states, “Trust is the single most important factor in personal and professional relationships. It is the glue that holds people together. And it is the they key to becoming a person of influence” (p 27). Maxwell insists that developing trust with people is essential to leadership. Trust allows a leader to privilege to speak into a person’s …show more content…
Maxwell (1997) contends, “The heart of the nurturing process is genuine concern for others” (p. 39). Simply put, a leader must truly care for his or her followers. An influential leader will seek to care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of his or her followers. As a result, a leader influence expands as he or she shows love and respect for his or her followers. Further, a leader’s influence will thrive as he or she shows proper recognition and gives encouragement. Furthermore, Maxwell believes that showing faith in people will widen a leader’s influence. Having faith in people allows others to believe in themselves. Maxwell asserts, “As you work to become a person of influence, always remember that your goal is not to get people to think more highly of you. It’s to get them to think more highly of themselves” (p. 64). Maxwell insists that having faith in other people will generate a higher view within