Society Should Value the HELP of Level-5 Leaders
In a world where business and economic systems interact and adapt to turbulent forces from their external environment, society should recognize and embrace ambitious leaders that desire nothing less than success for their organizations. In a quest to enhance corporations or nations,
the Level-5 leader exhibits a modest, fearless, and willful disposition,
despite the level of unwarranted disrespect, unfair criticisms, and unjustified repugnance for their selection as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
In order to receive the greatest benefit from the abilities of a Level-5 leader, society should value the
H - Humility
E- Effectiveness
L - Loyalty, and
P - Professional will
(
HELP) they contribute, regardless of traditional or organizational differences.
Level-5 leaders carry out their role with a
genuine and passionate ambition for the cause and organization for which they have been appointed. Furthermore, leaders that exhibit Level-5 attributes are instrumental in the successful turnaround of organizations by making decisions that inspire standards and ensure the best long-term results. Remaining focused on building an enduring organization, against insurmountable odds, without manufacturing competition between personal ego and the greater cause, is consistent with Level-5 leadership. Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, Civil Rights Activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and General Colin Powell top the list of executives exemplifying the degree of humility that distinguish this class of leader.
Level-5 leadership
champion transformation through commitment and the passionate pursuit of a clear and convincing vision designed to stimulate effective performance. The ability of this leader to confront unrealistic and impractical expectations coupled with the brutal facts of reality results in an unwavering resolve to generate an efficient outcome. The office of leadership at this level maintains absolute faith in the ability to prevail, which creates a culture of discipline and ignites the enthusiasm of those in support.
Creating a structure loyal to
building a great organization is an essential quality of Level-5. In addition, these leaders are devoted to distributing credit to others for achievement and accepting responsibility for unproductive outcomes. Principals measuring up to a Level-5 classification are content with seeing subsequent leaders experience further accomplishments and comfortable with individuals being unaware the roots of success trace back to them.
Focusing on
consistently doing what is right for the good of an organization constitutes the professional will that epitomizes Level-5 leadership. Furthermore, a personal investment of time along with a non-negotiable level of character is instrumental when achieving a classification equivalent to this degree of development. Professional resolve also require Level-5 leaders to recognize it is necessary to place the “right people in right places” to create conditions for effective decisions to be made.
Level-5 leadership organizes people and resources toward the pursuit of a predetermined strategy to be carried out with a passionate ambition for the cause and organization. Leaders at this level often confront unrealistic and impractical expectations coupled with the brutal facts of reality, which constitutes an unwavering commitment to generate an efficient outcome.
Society should recognize the exceptional qualities exhibited by executives at this level and appreciate the magnitude of humility, effectiveness, loyalty, and professional will (HELP), regardless of long-established differences.
