The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve

Posted on May 16, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

"You can accomplish anything in life, provided that you do not mind who gets the credit.”- Harry S. Truman

In the book “Good to Great”, Jim Collins researched the differences between “good” and “great” companies. Perhaps the most important component found in “great” companies is what he calls ”Level 5 Leadership."

Level 1 - is a Highly Capable Individual who “makes productive contributions through talent, knowledge, skills and good work habits.”

Level 2 - is a Contributing Team Member who “contributes their skills to effectively help achieve a group or team’s objectives.”

Level 3 - is the Competent Manager who “organizes people and resources toward the effective and efficient pursuit of predetermined objectives.”

Level 4 - is an Effective Leader who “catalyzes a commitment to the vigorous pursuit of a clear and compelling vision.”

Level 5 - is the Executive who “builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will (or fierce resolve).” These leaders are timid yet ferocious, shy yet fearless - modest yet have a fierce, unwavering commitment to high standards. They effectively combine sincere humility with unwavering resolve.

** So what are the core characteristics of a “Level 5” Leader?

1. Personal Humility:
Level 5 leaders are self-effacing, quiet, reserved, and even shy - more like Lincoln and Socrates than Patton or Caesar. Level 5 leaders channel their ego away from themselves and into the larger goal of building a great organization. It’s not that Level 5 leaders have no ego or self-interest. Indeed, they are incredibly ambitious – but their ambition is first and foremost for the institution, not themselves.

2. They Inspire Standards which Motivate Others:
Level 5 leaders rely on instilling inspired standards and do not rely on using their “charisma” to motivate. They build a culture of discipline, yet are not a tyrannical disciplinarian. They enable freedom and give responsibility away.

3. They Assume Responsibility for Poor Results, while giving credit to others:
When things do not go well, Level 5 Leaders take responsibility for failures and never blame their people, external factors, or bad luck. When they do go well, they attribute the success to others.

4. They have Unwavering Resolve to Produce Long-Term Results:
Great leaders seek to improve long-term results that often times go unnoticed by the outside world for many years.

5. They set High Standards for Building an Enduringly Great Company:
Level 5 leaders create high standards, and then doggedly focus on meeting those standards for years on end. These leaders deliver what they promise. There is no hype, no spin, no excuses – just a healthy focus on results.

** What the next steps you need to take to become a Level 5 Leader?
(** Adapted from - Collins, Jim, “Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve.”)