One of the most fundamental assumptions of leadership development work is that leaders operate at different levels of sophistication and effectiveness. Some operate a low levels, while others operate at high levels.
If you are a leader, do you have clarity about what level you operate at? And, if you are someone who works with leaders, do you have clarity about what levels your leaders operate at?
In past articles and videos, I have explained how understanding vertical development can help bring this clarity to these questions (see this video, this video, and this article). But, admittedly, this material is not the most approachable.
So, in this article, I want to present a quick way for you to gauge your level of sophistication and effectiveness as a leader: exploring what you feel your calling is as a leader.
One’s Calling as a Leader
As I have worked with leaders, I have found that:
- All leaders see their role as a leader as a calling to do something
- Their perceived calling as a leader is indicative of the level of sophistication and effectiveness as a leader
I’ll share with you my observations. But first, try to answer this fill-in-the-blank question for your self (or, if you are a leadership developer, get your leaders to answer this question):
As a leader, I feel I am most called to ____________________________.
Different Callings Leaders Have
In what follows, I’ll share various ways that leaders fill in the blank in order of how indicative they are of level of sophistication and effectiveness as a leader (low to high).
Low Sophistication and Effectiveness
Leaders who operate at low levels of sophistication and effectiveness generally sense that their calling is to create stability for themselves (and possibly their family).
Such leaders often feel it is a privilege to be in a leadership role, and they are focused on ensuring that they stay in such a role. As such, they are most focused on ensuring nothing bad happens under their watch.
Low-Moderate Sophistication and Effectiveness
Leaders who operate at low-moderate levels of sophistication and effectiveness generally sense that their calling is to advance themselves.
Such leaders view leadership as a vehicle that can help them advance their prestige, finances, reputation, etc. As such, they are most focused on ensuring they hit results and milestones in a timely manner to ensure that they are continually progressing.
High-Moderate Sophistication and Effectiveness
Leaders who operate at high-moderate levels of sophistication and effectiveness generally sense that their calling is to be a good steward.
Such leaders view leadership as an honor. They recognize that others have placed their trust in them (particularly shareholders and superiors), and they do not want to let them down. As such, they are focused on ensuring that they are living up to the expectations that others have for them (particularly their investors and superiors).
High Sophistication and Effectiveness
Leaders who operate at high levels of sophistication and effectiveness generally sense that their calling is to be a gardener.
Such leaders view leadership as an opportunity to uplift, inspire, and bring out the best in others. They recognize that they play a significant role in the lives and experiences of those they lead and the customers that connect with their organization. As such, they are driven by purpose and are focused on ensuring that their organizational environment is one that allows their employees and customers to thrive and grow.
Quick Summary
To summarize these ideas…
- Leaders who operate at a low level of sophistication and effectiveness see leadership as a way to protect themselves
- Leaders who operate at a low-moderate level of sophistication and effectiveness see leadership as a way to advance themselves
- Leaders who operate at a high-moderate level of sophistication and effectiveness see leadership as a way to accomplish goals and objectives together with others
- Leaders who operate at a high level of sophistication and effectiveness see leadership as a way to create value for others
Introspection
Having read this, look inward and reflect on how you see your calling as a leader.
If you find that your perceived calling resembles that of the lower-levels, welcome to the “club.”
The vast majority of leaders operate at the second and third levels. In fact, research has found that 85% of leaders operate at those levels and only 8% of leaders operate at the fourth level of this particular framework.
So, if you are not currently part of the 8%, this is just a sign that you have some maturing to do as a leader (and don’t we all). But, I also hope that this helps you gain clarity about the direction you need to head.
And, if you are currently part of the 8%, operating with the calling to create value for others: if you would like to assess how your “gardening” is going and learn ways you can improve your “gardening,” I would love to work with you. Let’s connect.
No matter your current perceived calling, if you want to explore these concepts more deeply, check out my book, The Elevated Leader: Level Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development.
2 Responses
Hi Ryan,
This was such an easy read and assessment!
As a leader, I try to remove obstacles in the way of my team and work for an inclusive, collaborative effort so we can all succeed to meet expectations. I guess that places me in group 3. A little more work to do to get to group 4.
Thanks for the information you share with us!
very informative