Level 5 of Leadership: The Pinnacle

Level 5, the pinnacle of leadership. This is the level of leadership that all leaders strive to reach at some point in their life. This level is a culmination of leading well on all other four levels, but also requires a high degree of skill and some amount of natural leadership ability.1

Pinnacle leaders have a uniqueness about them, they are a cut above, they seem to have success follow them wherever they go.1 Most leaders don't reach this level until later in their career. The individual that manages to reach the pinnacle level, lead so well and for so long that they create a legacy in the organization they serve. Not only do they alter the organization they work in, but they also transform the industry they work in.1 This individual has mastered the art of developing leaders into level 4 leaders.

Let’s look at an example of a leader that has mastered all 4 levels of leadership and sits at the top of "pinnacle leaders", John Wooden. Coach Wooden was the legendary basketball coach for the UCLA Bruins back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Wooden won 10 NCAA titles during his last 12 season with the Bruins, including 7 in a row from 1967 to 1973. Beyond the many wins and championships, Coach Wooden left a major impact on the game of basketball but more importantly the lives of those around him. To this day his impact is still felt around the sports world, he was a tremendous leader. 

Here are some guidelines to facilitate your growth once you have reached this level and to help others navigate to becoming level 4 leader. If you have not read my previous articles on leadership, give them a read so that you too can possess the steps to improving your leadership skills.

Leadership Guideline:

1. Be humble and teachable.
2. Maintain your core focus.
3. Create a solid inner circle to keep you grounded.
4. Do only what you can do.
5. Create a supercharged leadership development environment.
6. Create room at the top.
7. Develop your top leaders.
8. Plan your succession.
9. Plan your legacy.
10. Use your leadership success as a platform for something greater.

References:

1Maxwell, J. C. (1960). The 5 levels of leadership: Proven steps to maximize your potential. United States: Center Street