Level 5 Leadership

In the article, “Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve”, author
Jim Collins (2001) discusses the findings from his research about companies that went from
good to great with an emphasis on the leadership in those companies at the time of the
transformation. Collins’ main point is that the common factor, among those success stories, was
that their leaders had all achieve Level 5 leadership.
Humility is, unexpectedly, the first trait all Level 5 leaders must have. That might
explain why we rarely hear their names in the media; and it appears that most of them would
prefer anonymity. Take for instance, Darwin Smith who was named CEO of Kimberly-Clark
during one of the company’s worst period in the previous twenty years. This is an excellent
example of a company that went from good to great under a Level 5 leader. Even more
importantly, the company remained a great company after that leader left.
In conclusion, Collins presented clear differences between Level 5 leaders and comparison
leaders. Humility and unwavering resolve are primary traits of Level 5 leaders identify.
Should more leaders regardless of their level attempted to achieve Level 5 and promote that level
of leadership throughout the whole organization; it would have a profoundly positive impact all
around, maybe even beyond the business world. I personally plan to apply what I have learned
from it to, both, business and personal lives.