Becoming a Level 5 Leader: Humility and Will in Action

In his groundbreaking book Good to Great, Jim Collins describes what he calls the “Level 5 Leader.” These are leaders who create enduring greatness through a surprising combination: personal humility and professional will. They are both quiet and fierce, gentle and determined.

But before we get to Level 5, let’s understand the journey through all five levels of leadership.

The Five Levels of Leadership

Level 1: Highly Capable Individual

At this stage, you bring talent, knowledge, and skills. You work hard, produce results, and people notice you. Every leader starts here.

Step to grow: Seek feedback, keep learning, and don’t settle for just being good at your craft—start asking how your work affects others.

Level 2: Contributing Team Member

Here, you learn how to work well with others and contribute to group objectives. You’re not just good individually—you’re good for the team.

Step to grow: Practice collaboration and humility. Value others’ input and celebrate their wins as much as your own.

Level 3: Competent Manager

At this level, you organize people and resources to accomplish objectives. You can manage projects and keep things moving forward.

Step to grow: Learn to delegate well and empower others. Shift from “How do I succeed?” to “How does the team succeed?”

Level 4: Effective Leader

Now you’re inspiring commitment to a vision and setting high standards. People follow you not just because of your position, but because of your passion. Many leaders stop here.

Step to grow: Guard against ego. Ask yourself, “Am I building this for my recognition, or for the mission?”

Level 5: Executive Leader

This is the pinnacle. Level 5 Leaders build greatness that outlasts them. They blend deep personal humility with unshakable professional will. They give credit away when things go well and take responsibility when things go wrong. Their ambition is for the mission, not themselves.

Why These Levels Matter

Each level is a stepping stone to the next. If we stop at Level 3 or Level 4, we may accomplish goals, but we miss the chance to leave a lasting impact. A Level 5 Leader builds something that endures—a company, a team, or even a family culture that thrives for years to come.

How to Grow Toward Level 5

Level 5 leadership doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not about personality type—it’s about intentional growth. Here are some practical ways to develop both humility and professional will in your everyday life.

Cultivate Humility

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. It’s about shifting focus from me to we.

• Give credit freely. When something goes well, shine the spotlight on your team, your spouse, or your kids. Celebrate others’ contributions before your own.
• Ask good questions. Instead of rushing to give advice, practice curiosity. Ask, “What do you think?” or “How would you solve this?”
• Admit mistakes quickly. A Level 5 Leader doesn’t waste energy defending their ego. They own failures and learn from them.
• Practice gratitude. Keep a journal, or end your day by naming three people or events you’re thankful for. Gratitude keeps pride in check.

Strengthen Professional Will

Humility must be balanced with grit. Professional will is about determination, vision, and follow-through.

• Clarify your mission. Write down in one sentence what you’re building—whether it’s a strong family culture, a thriving small business, or a healthier team at work. Keep this in front of you daily.
• Make tough decisions. Don’t just do what’s easy in the moment. Ask, “What’s best for the long-term health of my family, my team, or my organization?”
• Be consistent. Show up. Even when you’re tired, misunderstood, or criticized—show up. Consistency builds trust and legacy.
• Develop discipline. Success is not one big choice but hundreds of small ones. A disciplined leader sets routines and sticks to them.

Apply It Everywhere

Level 5 leadership is not just for the boardroom—it’s for the living room.

• At home: Be the kind of spouse or parent who models both humility (listening, apologizing, giving grace) and will (setting boundaries, providing direction, protecting values).
• At work: Lead in such a way that your team or company could thrive even if you weren’t there tomorrow. That’s legacy leadership.
• In the community: Serve without seeking recognition. Influence grows when people trust your motives.

Surround Yourself with Feedback and Accountability

• Ask a trusted friend, coach, or mentor to point out blind spots.
• Welcome constructive feedback without defensiveness.
• Join a mastermind, small group, or accountability circle that challenges you to keep growing.

Bottom line: Growing toward Level 5 is about choosing humility and committing to purpose—day after day, decision after decision.

An Example from History: Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was not born a Level 5 Leader. Early in his career, he was ambitious, passionate, and sometimes sharp with rivals. But as he grew, he developed deep humility—willing to laugh at himself, admit faults, and listen to critics. At the same time, he held fierce resolve to preserve the Union during America’s darkest days.

Lincoln’s leadership—marked by humility and will—outlived him. His choices not only held a nation together but reshaped its future. He is remembered not for self-promotion but for a vision larger than himself.

Daily Practices Checklist for Level 5 Leadership

1. Start with Gratitude – Write down 3 things (or people) you’re thankful for before you begin your day.
2. Ask More Than You Tell – In at least one conversation, choose curiosity over control. Ask, “What do you think?”
3. Give Away Credit – Publicly recognize someone else’s contribution—at work, at home, or in your community.
4. Own a Mistake – If something goes wrong, take responsibility rather than shifting blame.
5. Revisit Your Mission – Read or recite your one-sentence mission for your family, career, or life. Let it guide your choices.
6. Do One Hard Thing – Tackle a task you’ve been avoiding. Level 5 leaders don’t drift; they decide.
7. End with Reflection – Ask yourself: “Did I lead with humility today? Did I push forward with resolve?”

Terry Porter offers both one-to-one and group coaching & consulting.

Final Word

Becoming a Level 5 Leader isn’t about titles. It’s about who you are becoming and what you’re building. Whether leading your home, your team, or your company, aim for humility paired with determination. When we do, we create impact that outlives us—and that’s leadership worth striving for.