Suvidha Pawar

What is Level 5 leadership?

Level Five Leadership is the type of leadership which is required to turn an organization from Good to Great position. It is the highest level in a hierarchy of leadership capabilities. Leaders at the other four levels in the hierarchy can produce high levels of success but not enough to elevate organizations from mediocrity to sustained excellence. Good-to-great transformations dont happen without Level 5 leadership.

The Level 5 Leadership theory evolved independently. It was "discovered" by Jim Collins and his researchers in the companies which had a high level of growth over fifteen consecutive years.

Success = Right People (culture, character rather than competence)

+ Humility + Strong Professional Will (regarding the goal)

Level 1 Highly Capable Individual:

Makes productive contributions through talent, knowledge, skills, and good work habits

Level 2 Contributing Team Member:

Contributes to the achievement of group objectives; works effectively with others in a group setting.

Level 3 Competent Manager:

Organizes people and resources toward effective and efficient pursuit of predetermined objectives.

Level 4 Effective Leader:

Catalyzes commitment to and vigorous pursuit of a clear and compelling vision; stimulates the group to high performance and standards.

Level 5 Executive:

Builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical combination of personal humility plus professional will.

They are self-effacing, quiet, reserved and even shy. They are paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will. The level five leader shows respect towards people, selflessness, a strong powerful commitment to achieve results, and bring out the best in subordinates. They are stubborn and ruthless. Yet they are humble. They are ambitious for their company and not for themselves, and rarely allow their ego to be an obstacle for the success of their organization. Level 5 Leaders lead with the help of disciplined people, disciplined thought and disciplined action.

Personal Humility: Acts with quiet, calm determination; relies principally on inspired standards & not on inspiring charisma to motivate. An inherent ability to selflessly avoid the limelight and give the credit for their success to others in the organization or outside factors. Professional Will: An unwavering (steady) focus on doing the right things for the long term good of their organization. Creates superb results, a clear catalyst in the transition from good to great

Instilling Standards to Motivate Channels Ambition to the Company Assumes Responsibility for poor results and gives credit to others Sets Standards for Building an Enduring, Great Company

Hire the right people. Deploy them in the jobs which they are "intended" to do. Set a really high & long-term goal.

Some Level 5 leaders experience a significant turning point in their lives, while others have a relatively normal life It is possible that potential Level 5 leaders are common; it is only a matter of finding them Some people will never be able to tame their egos and therefore will never reach Level 5.

A level 5 leader isnt concerned about money only

They will do everything they can, to make sure the company will succeed later by appointing a successor with their same characteristics.

Advantages: Superb, long-term, and lasting results can be achieved. Disadvantages: It requires a lot of time and personal investment by the leader. The leader does not receive personal credit.

Level 5 leadership is a key point to achieve the Good-to-great transformations of organizations. Good-to-great transformations dont happen without Level 5 leadership.