E0075 - The X Factor of Truly Great Leadership (S0004)

• Jim Collins discusses the X Factor of truly great leadership, drawing from his book, "Good to Great", where they studied how mediocre companies became exceptional under certain leaders.
• They discovered the concept of a Level 5 leader, part of a hierarchy that includes Level 1 (good individual skills), Level 2 (good team skills), Level 3 (good management skills), and Level 4 (effective leadership skills).
• While studying companies that made the leap from good to great, Collins and his team found that both successful and unsuccessful companies had leaders. The successful ones, however, had Level 5 leaders while the less successful ones had Level 4 leaders.
• The distinguishing factor or 'X Factor' between Level 4 and Level 5 leaders was found to be humility. This is combined with a ferocious will for something greater than oneself.
• Level 5 leaders differ from Level 4 leaders in that they channel their energy, drive, and ambition outward into a cause, a company, a culture, or a quest that's more enduring than they are. Level 5 leaders lead with a spirit of service and sacrifice.

Author: Jim Collins

Keywords:

• Leadership
• Success