Explain the five levels of leadership outlined in Jim Collins's Good to Great.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: In a career, a person inhabits and can move through the hierarchy of stages outlined in Jim Collins's book Good to Great. The descriptions in the hierarchy suggest not only that you might do these things, but that you should do them well.

Level 1, a highly capable individual, is someone who makes productive contributions through talent, knowledge, skills, and good work habits. Level 2, a contributing team member, contributes individual capabilities to the achievement of group objectives and works effectively with others in a group setting. Level 3, a competent manager, organizes people and resources toward the effective and efficient pursuit of predetermined objectives. Level 4, an effective leader, catalyzes commitment to, and vigorous pursuit of, a clear and compelling vision, stimulating higher performance standards. A Level 5 executive builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.

Your first job may not include managerial responsibilities, but it will require you to be an individual contributor and probably to be part of a team. Level 3 is where managerial capabilities are required, whereas Level 4 distinguishes true leadership from competent management. Level 5 represents a peak achievement, the ultimate contribution of a leader who can turn a good company into a great one.