In the book “From Good to Great”, the author Jim Collins talks about an idea of Level 5 Leadership theory which is giving an leadership model to show the progress of leadership starting with level 1 as a good individual and ending with level 5 as a great leader.
The level 5 describe a person who “builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.” For personal humility, I understand it as someone who doesn’t put their ego first at a personal level. Someone who acts with quiet, calm determination but not inspiring charisma, to motivate. Someone who looks out the window, not in the mirror, to apportion credit for the success of the company.For professional will, a level 5 leaders create superb results, a clear catalyst in the transition from good to great. They demonstrate an unwavering resolve to do whatever must be done to produce the best long-term result, no matter how difficult it is. They set the standard of building an enduring great company. They also looks in the mirror, not out the window, to apportion responsibility for poor results, and never blaming other people, external factors, or bad luck.
I enjoyed reading the “Level 5” chapter in Collins book, From Good to Great, because it made me rethink my views on great leadership. I thought that the best leaders were the people who could affect change through confidence and drive. While I still believe confidence and drive is important; I can also respect the book findings on a more humble leadership approach. A successful leader not only is what you do for a company important but also your employee will respect you as a great leader.
From the Ground to the Sky 