We interact with leaders everyday. Most of us are leaders in some capacity. All of us can remember some leader that has had an impact on our life. That one person who inspired us to reach for more and live into our true potential. Chances are, that person possessed what's called Level 5 Leadership. This term was created by Jim Collins, a business consultant and writer of the book "Good to Great". He outlines the 5 different levels of leadership and how to truly become not just a good leader, but a great leader. As you grow as a leader, you move up this ladder. Take a look to see where you may fall and how you can become a great leader yourself!
Level 1: Highly Capable Leader
At this level, you have the skills and knowledge to do a good job. You make high quality contributions with your own work.
Level 2: Contributing Team Member
At level 2, you use your skills and knowledge to work with others and make your team succeed.
Level 3: Competent Manager
At level 3, you as the leader organize your group to effectively achieve specific goals and objectives.
Level 4: Effective Leader
At this level, you are able to coordinate your group to meet performance goals and create a vision of where your group is going. Most leaders stop here and never get to Level 5.
Level 5: Great Leader
A level 5 leader possesses all of the qualities of the other 4 levels as well as the following capabilities that are required for true greatness. Start working on these qualities and you are sure to be a great leader.
Develop humility. Level 5 leaders are humble and understand how arrogance can destroy an organization.
Ask for help. While some people see this as a weakness, it's actually a strength. This develops a team mentality and allows you to get input from team members who may know more than you.
Take responsibility. Level 5 leaders take responsibility for their mistakes and their team's mistakes.
Develop discipline. Great leaders are disciplined and stick to the course of action once it's decided. They don't sway or let distractions get in the way.
Find the Right People. Level 5 leaders depend on the people around them and spend the time to find the right people for their team. They invest the time in developing their team members so the whole group can benefit.
Lead with passion. When you as the leader believe in what you're doing, your team will too. Lead with passion and your teammates will follow.
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