Life has levels. Leadership does too.
But here’s the truth: most managers never move beyond the one they started on. They meet expectations and manage results, but they don’t rise. But not you. You care about progress and getting better.
This week’s newsletter describes the 5 levels of leadership growth. So let’s get after it.
Level 1: The Task Manager
At this level, your focus is on getting things done. You assign tasks, check boxes, and make sure the work gets completed. But you often carry too much of the load yourself because it feels faster to do it than to teach it.
Level 2: The People Connector
At this level, you start to realize leadership is about people, not position. You build relationships, earn trust, and focus on connection over control. People begin to follow you because they want to, not because they have to.
Level 3: The Developer
At this level, your focus shifts from managing performance to improving it. You coach, challenge, and help others grow. You measure success by your team’s growth, not just your own results.
Level 4: The Culture Shaper
At this level, you begin to shape the environment your team operates in. You model values, clarify standards, and create a culture where people want to perform. You think in years, not weeks.
Level 5: The Multiplier
At this level, you realize true leadership isn’t about followers, it’s about creating more leaders. You invest in people who can lead without you, multiplying your impact long after you’re gone.
Use your gifts,
John Eades
CEO | LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure
What's Your Current Leadership Level?
- Level 1: Task Manager – Focused on completing tasks and ensuring work gets done.
- Level 2: People Connector – Builds trust and leads through relationships.
- Level 3: Developer – Coaches and helps others grow their skills and confidence.
- Level 4: Culture Shaper – Defines values and creates an environment for high performance.
- Level 5: Multiplier – Develops other leaders and multiplies impact beyond themselves.
The Optimistic Outlook (Newsletter)
The Optimistic Outlook is a daily newsletter designed to remind you to focus on the bright side, one day at a time. Join 990+ leaders who are already improving their Optimistic Outlook.
The Optimistic Outlook is now available wherever you listen to podcasts. Channel your inner John Eades and make your kids listen to it, then read it aloud to work on their minds and communication skills.
How Gratitude and Grace Build Resilient Leaders (Podcast)
In this powerful episode, former professional baseball player and performance coach Chris Vasami joins John Eades to explore how gratitude, grace, and daily discipline shape resilient leaders. After facing a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Chris shares how he repurposed his athletic mindset to focus on what truly matters — and what we can all learn from it.
In this conversation, we cover:
How to control what matters most and release what doesn’t
Why “micro moments” shape your character and leadership impact
The 4 G’s that guide Chris’s life: Grind, Grace, Gratitude, and Great
How to reframe struggle as a classroom for growth
The simple morning habit that sets the tone for your entire day
Here Are Some Ways We Could Partner:
Customized Leadership Development Programs: Bring the Accelerate Leadership Program or Catalyst for Growth Program in-house for a customized experience for your team members. Programs include virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.
1:1 Coaching: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes. Show me more
Speaking: We are now booking keynotes for the fall of 2025 and early 2026. John’s new keynote, “The Teamwork Advantage,” has been a hit for organizations. Hit reply on this note, or check out some of our recent talks here.
