January 2001

Level 5 Leadership
(Exhibit: The Level 5 Hierarchy)
Harvard Business Review

by Jim Collins

The Level 5 leader sits on top of a hierarchy of capabilities and is, according to our research, a necessary requirement for transforming an organization from good to great. But what lies beneath? Four other layers, each one appropriate in its own right, but none with the power of Level 5. Individuals do not need to proceed sequentially through each level of the hierarchy to reach the top, but to be a full-fledged Level 5 requires the capabilities of all the lower levels, plus the special characteristics of Level 5.

Level 5 Executive
Builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical combination of personal humility plus professional will.

Level 4: Effective Leader
Catalyzes commitment to and vigorous pursuit of a clear and compelling vision, stimulates the group to high performance standards.

Level 3: Competent Manager
Organizes people and resources toward the effective and efficient pursuit of predetermined objectives.

Level 2: Contributing Team Member
Contributes to the achievement of group objectives, works effectively with others in a group setting.

Level 1: Highly Capable Individual
Makes productive contributions through talent, knowledge, skills, and good work habits.