Level 5 Leaders
CHARACTERISTICS AND OPERATING STYLE

continued from levels of leadership :Level 4 Executive

On the other hand, a level 4 leader does not bother much about the greatness of the company once he is gone. Lee Iacocca, for example, can be considered a level 4 leader. A level 4 leader ensures high level performance during his reign, but hardly cares about the future performance of the organization in his absence. A level 4 leader is often more bothered about his greatness than his company’s greatness.

Iacocca was instrumental in the successful turnaround of Chrysler. Undoubtedly,he saved the company. But later seemed to be more interested in build his brand.He wrote an autobiography and toured all over the world promoting his book. He was a regular participant in talk shows such as Today show and Larry King Live.He starred in 80 commercials. Fancied running for US presidency. As a result of these digressions, the company’s stock which performed at 2.9 times the general market in the first half of his tenure, was 51% behind the general market in the second half of his tenure. After getting used to the power of CEO and Chairman posts, he was hardly willing to let go of the reigns.

So unwilling was he to retire and so often he postponed his retirement that his name IACOCCA was mocked as “I Am Chairman Of Chrysler Corporation Always.” When he decided to retire he demanded the board for private jet and stock options. Even after leaving Chrysler,he ganged up with Kirk Kerkorian in a hostile bid for Chrysler (the bid was unsuccessful).

Characteristics Of Level 5 Leaders

Level 5 leaders are a paradoxial blend of fierce will and personal humility. They are stubborn and ruthless, yet they are humble. They are highly ambitious for their company, and rarely allow their ego to come in the way of organization’s success.Though they accomplish great things for their organizations they never take credit.They attribute their remarkable accomplishments to their people, external factors,and sheer luck. They are inspired only by the greatness for their organizations.They expect their organizations to be even better after they leave.

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