Good to Great #1: Level 5 Leadership and Changing the World

What is Good to Great Level 5 Leadership?

Level 5 leadership, as Jim Collins explains it in his book Good to Great, refers to a person who is ambitious and driven first for the cause, for the job, for the mission, and not for himself/herself. This is a direct reflection of their fanatic drive towards results, yet this type of leader simultaneously maintains a humble purpose. It is a paradoxical mix of personal humility and professional will. For this type of leader it has nothing to do with them; greed and self-gratification are not the motives. It has everything to do with the people and organization.

An analogy used to help describe this type of leader is the window versus the mirror (see images). Level 5 leaders when successful look out the window and credit everyone else while others would look in the mirror and credit themselves for the success. When faced with criticism or failure, level 5 leaders look in the mirror and take responsibility while others would look out the window to blame everyone.

Level 5 Leadership Opportunities

As I’ve read books like Good to Great or Leadership 360 over the past few years I’ve noticed a profound connection between the leadership principles presented and other roles in my life besides my career or business. I am surprised that the majority of books on “leadership” revolve around successful businesses and company management. I would argue that the leadership principles explained in books like these have just as much if not more application to roles other than business – most importantly leading a family. Knowing how to successfully lead ones family through difficult economic times, how to effectively teach and train your children, how to communicate with your spouse and children, how to budget, are all principles that would significantly change the world if parents, especially fathers, learned how to lead families with these principles. I have found that most, if not all, of the principles found in Good to Great are equally applicable to effective leadership as a father.

For example, being a father of three children, I see a need for me to act as a level 5 leader for my family collectively. My family must be the primary focus of everything I do and my ego and pride must not be my motive. My motive must be their success – not mine. And when things go wrong, I need to look in the mirror and take responsibility for the things that are mine. When things go right, make sure those kids know they deserve credit as merited. That, I believe, is as great as is it gets. Teaching a child a correct principle, letting them apply it without parental involvement, and seeing them succeed as a result. Nothing has made me happier than seeing my child make a good choice.

I have been lucky to have known some level 5 fathers. My brother is a level 5 father. He used to be an amazing musician and trumpet player in college. After getting married and having children he focused everything he could on providing for his children as best he could. He is the perfect example of “more plow horse and less show horse.” Rust gathered on his trumpet and I doubt he has ever played it since then. He had a 4am paper route for years to supplement his regular job, doing all he could to give success to his kids. He sacrificed a good portion of what used to be important to him so he could provide for his family. He was fanatically driven and yet humble beyond compare. His example has motivated me to never complain and quietly, like a workhorse, go about my daily responsibilities.

Level 5 fathers are likely to see similar results in their families that level 5 leaders see in businesses. Family members will be motivated to follow your counsel and work, the best in each family member will rise to the top, the overall quality of life for the family will improve regardless of the conditions, communication will improve, the comparisons are endless.

So What?

I believe the strength of any community, business, or nation is a direct reflection of the smaller units of its composition – the family. No other effort to contribute positively to the world can compare to being an effective leader of your family, especially your children. I believe there is a need to focus more on family development rather than improving legislation or school curriculum, which tries to remedy the consequences of poor parenting.

One place we can start is to lead our families like Jim Collins’ says great businesses are lead, like a level 5 leader. Similar to the definition above, be “ambitious and driven first for the cause, for the [family], for the mission, and not for [yourself]. This is a direct reflection of [your] fanatic drive towards results, while simultaneously maintaining a humble purpose. It is a paradoxical mix of personal humility and professional will. For this type of leader it has nothing to do with them; greed and self-gratification is not the motive. It has everything to do with the people and [family].” Putting the family first and having everything you do be a directly reflection of that prioritization is level 5 fatherhood.

So why is level 5 leadership worth understanding? Because not only can it lead a company to success, it can help a father lead a family successfully. And I’d argue that well lead families can change the world.

Some Key Points of Level 5 Leadership

1. It’s about the “job” and the people, not about yourself.
2. Compellingly modest.
3. Fanatically diligent and ambitious.
4. Window vs. Mirror: credit everyone else and blame only yourself

Here’s an audio clip from Jim Collins’ book where he summarizes Level 5 Leadership: Good to Great: Level 5 Leadership Key Points

Questions to Consider for Comments

How does the principle of Level 5 Leadership apply to your life?
Have you seen the impact of a Level 5 Leader?
Have you seen the impact of a Level 5 Father?