Episode 05: Six (6) Phases of Leadership Pt. 1 with Joshua K. McMillion
Building the Foundation
Featuring Joshua McMillion | Tales of Leadership Podcast Ep. 5
This episode introduces the first three phases of leadership and lays the foundation for the full leadership journey. Inspired by the work of John C. Maxwell and shaped through over 15 years of military leadership experience, this framework expands into a six-phase model designed to help leaders grow intentionally.
Leadership is not a destination—it is a journey. It is a bridge that must be built over time, one phase at a time, with intentionality and discipline. If you rush the process or cut corners, the structure will weaken and eventually collapse. Leadership is built, not given—and every phase matters.
The first phase of leadership is self-leadership. Before you can lead others, you must learn to lead yourself. This begins with being a great follower and observer—learning from both strong leaders and poor examples. Some of the most valuable lessons come from watching what not to do.
Self-leadership also requires establishing routines that create consistency and discipline. Winning the small battles—like starting your day with purpose—sets the tone for long-term success. Discipline is what allows you to stick to those routines, especially when growth becomes uncomfortable.
At the core of self-leadership is defining who you are. Leaders must take the time to build their leadership philosophy—what you stand for, what you value, and where you are going. If you cannot define who you are as a leader, you cannot effectively lead others.
The second phase of leadership is situational authority. This is the phase that comes with position and title—but it is also the most temporary. Authority may give you initial compliance, but it will not sustain long-term influence.
Leaders must move quickly away from position and toward people. There is a short window—often around 90 days—where authority carries weight. After that, your ability to lead depends on your actions, your character, and your ability to inspire.
This phase can become a trap. Leaders who rely on authority instead of influence will fail to create lasting impact. There are two paths—transitional leadership, focused on self, or transformational leadership, focused on others. Authority may give you control, but only influence will give you true leadership.
The third phase of leadership is strengthening relationships, and it is the most critical phase in the entire journey. This is the decisive point—where leaders either build trust and inspire others or fail to move forward.
Trust and respect are not given—they are earned over time. Leaders must invest intentionally in their people, taking the time to build authentic relationships that go beyond the task. Without this foundation, results will be short-lived and leadership will stall.
Strengthening relationships requires deliberate action. It means clearly communicating your vision, setting expectations, and creating environments where feedback is encouraged. It also means taking personal steps to connect—whether through one-on-one conversations, counseling, or simple acts like writing thank-you letters.
Leaders often feel pressure to produce results quickly, but this phase cannot be rushed. Relationships and results must develop together. If you fail to build trust and earn respect, your leadership journey stops here.
Final Thoughts
The first three phases of leadership—self-leadership, situational authority, and strengthening relationships—form the foundation of your leadership bridge. Without mastering these, progression to higher levels of leadership is not possible.
Developing discipline, defining your leadership philosophy, moving beyond authority, and investing in relationships all require intentional effort. Leadership is not about quick wins—it is about long-term growth and impact.
If you try to skip the foundation, everything built on top of it will eventually fail.
After Action Review (AAR)
How are you developing routine, accountability, and discipline in your life right now?
What does your house of leadership look like, and have you clearly defined it?
Have you built authentic relationships that create trust and respect within your team?
Tales of Leadership Mission: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders by arming you with the tools
required to lead with purpose, integrity, and accountability.
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