In his book Good to Great, author Jim Collins talks about the 5 levels of leadership. Before we jump into what those levels are, a brief summary of the book.
Good To Great examines what it takes for ordinary companies to become great and outperform their competitors by analyzing 28 companies over 30 years, who managed to make the transition or fell prey to their bad habits.
In his book, Jim talks about 4 stages to developing great companies.
Stage 1 is having Disciplined people (this is where he identified the 5 levels of leadership Stage 2 is having Disciplined Thought. Stage 3 is having Disciplined Action. And Stage 4 is Building enduring and sustainable greatness that lasts.Let's take a look at the 5 levels of leadership
Level 1: Highly Capable Individual
At this level, you make high quality contributions with your work. You possess useful levels of knowledge; and you have the talent and skills needed to do a good job.
Level 2: Contributing Team Member
At Level 2, you use your knowledge and skills to help your team succeed. You work effectively, productively and successfully with other people in your group.
Level 3: Competent Manager
Here, you're able to organize a group effectively to achieve specific goals and objectives.
Level 4: Effective Leader
Level 4 is the category that most top leaders fall into. Here, you're able to galvanize a department or organization to meet performance objectives and achieve a vision.
Level 5: Great Leader
At Level 5, you have all of the abilities needed for the other four levels, plus you have the unique blend of humility and will that's required for true greatness. They were the first to own up to mistakes, and the last to take credit for success.
So how can you become a Level 5 leader?
Develop humility.
Level 5 Leaders are humble people. So, learn why humility is important, and make sure that you understand – at a deep, emotional level – why arrogance is so destructive.
Ask for help.
Level 5 Leaders are sometimes mistakenly thought of as "weak," because they ask for help when they need it.
However, learning how to ask for help is a genuine strength, because it lets you call upon the expertise of someone stronger in an area than you are.
Take responsibility.
A top attribute of Level 5 Leaders is that they take responsibility for their team's mistakes or failings.
Develop discipline.
Level 5 Leaders are incredibly disciplined in their work. When they commit to a course of action, no matter how difficult it is, they stick to their resolve.
Find the right people.
Level 5 Leaders depend on the people around them. They spend time finding the right people , and helping them reach their full potential.
Lead with passion.
Level 5 Leaders are passionate about what they do, and they're not afraid to show it.
Research has shown that leaders who have brought the ‘Good to Great’ transformation are not the ones who are charismatic or big personalities but are rather quiet, shy, and deliberate. They are the ones who have the combination of humility and professional will. Organizations that strive to become great need to have a Level 5 leader.
What level of leader are you?
