Good to Great

In his book, Good to Great, Jim Collins (*) examines how a good company becomes an exceptional company. The book introduces a new term – Level 5 leadership. The level 5 refers to the highest level in a hierarchy of executive capabilities.

According to Robert W. Wells in his article published on October 13, 2009, these are the five levels hirarchy as described by Jim Collins:

5 > Level 5 Executive: "A level Five leader builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.” - Jim Collins.

4 > Effective Leader: A level four leader mentors others. People follow this leader because he or she develops people to a higher potential. This leaders commitment to developing other leaders ensures sustainable growth within the organization and empowers the people he or she is influencing.

3 > Competent Manager: A level three leader has produced results. People follow this leader because of his or her contributions to the organization as a whole or by what he or she has done as a leader elsewhere. Challenges are easier to overcome because this leader naturally generates momentum. A leader can lead at this level for a long period of time and will produce results and progress the organization.

2 > Contributing Team Member: A level two leader has stated authority but rarely uses it. People follow this leader by choice, beyond this leader’s stated authority. This type of leader is all about selling the vision and often does not embrace true leadership qualities.

1 > Highly Capable Individual: A level one leader, when he or she talks, others listen. He or she has inherent authority over others because of his or her stated authority. In business, this leader’s influence will not extend beyond his or her title. People follow this leader because they are required to, and rarely take what a level one leader says seriously unless it is associated with their circle of authority.

Read more at: http://www.robertwells.com/?p=362

(*) James C. "Jim" Collins III ( born in 1958) is a famous American business consultant, author, and lecturer on the subject of company sustainability and growth. This is a link to his web page: http://www.jimcollins.com/media_topics/level-5.html