Being lucky enough to see this great man speak is one of my business highlights.
The room was enraptured by his wisdom and insights.
I am a huge fan of his book and it’s empirical research findings around leadership.
Good to Great by Jim Collins.
In this great work, Collins, sets out his observations from his research and describes the characteristics of the leaders of those companies who had risen in greatness and maintained this status over a prolonged period of time.
Not unsurprisingly he studied the leadership traits and skills of the leaders of these successful businesses.
He outlines the 5 levels of leadership – urging all leaders to aspire to level 5.
A Level 5 leader is one who exhibits a combination of strong personal humility and professional will. This top level leader is incredibly driven and ambitious, maintains a healthy sense of self-awareness, and is able to put the needs of others above their own.
What qualities does a Level 5 Leader have?
Jim Collins identified 5 characteristics of Level 5 leaders as:
1. A personal sense of humility
2. A deep personal understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses
3. A laser-like focus on the organisation’s purpose
4. A passionate commitment to continuous learning
5. A relentless determination to do what is right, not what is easy
The debate around humility as a key characteristic for level 5 leadership is famously recorded in the Harvard Business Review Article in July/August 2005
“Level 5 Leadership – the Triumph of humility and Fierce Resolve”
Think of any great leaders in your sphere of awareness, the ones that leave you feeling a sense of reverence and awe for ages after your encounter with them. What is it about them?
It’s not necessarily charisma – according to Collins’ research. It is most likely their humility.