The Five Levels of Leadership with Jeff Raver
In this episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio,” Jeff Raver, founder and president of Begin to Win, talks to Andy Johns directly from the Tenneessee Broadband Association (TNBA) conference after leading a great session about leadership. Jeff shares his wisdom about the 5 different levels of leaders, which level everyone should strive to achieve, and how that impacts your organization as a whole.
Being an effective leader comes down to influence. Jeff quotes renowned author John Maxwell when he says, “Leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less.” He explains that a person who only gives directions is “a road sign, not a leader” because they cease being relevant in the long run. Effectively coaching your employees should resemble more the function of a GPS and take into consideration the bigger picture to stay relevant. Jeff highlights the importance of leadership training for everyone, not just for those in management positions, because we are all leading someone in some way. Having a solid understanding of leadership principles is key for everyone regardless of what level they are.
Jeff shares that the only way to influence our team as a leader is if our team believes we care about them, because caring about people and letting them feel that you are looking out for them is the Number 1 skill for anyone to become a great leader. He explains there are 5 levels of leadership — position, permission, production, people development, and pinnacle — and how each level impacts a leader’s ability to influence their team.
Level 4 leaders can be instrumental in making a company more resilient by inspiring people to remain loyal and be comfortable in the face of challenges and changes. “Nobody likes change. Resilient people are willing to be uncomfortable and go ahead and try it,” explains Jeff. Caring for people more than caring for oneself and adding true value to people’s lives have been traits of great leaders for decades.
Jeff closes his interview by posing a thought-provoking question to listeners: What level leader are you, and what are you doing to add value to people’s lives?
The “Lead Tennessee Radio” podcast is an opportunity to discuss issues facing Tennessee with state leaders and lawmakers. Past episodes feature House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin; and many more.
“The cooperative and independent telecommunications companies who comprise the TNBA are working hard to ensure that everyone in rural Tennessee has access to this life-changing technology,” said Knowles. “This podcast is a great opportunity to have conversations with state and industry leaders who are on the front lines working for a connected Tennessee.”
“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play, as well as on the Tennessee Broadband Association website.
