Page 47 - Banking Finance September 2025

ARTICLE

Harnessing Level

Five Leadership for

Organizational

Success in the Indian

Dr. Neenet Baby Manjaly
Landscape Union Bank Knowledge Centre,
Faculty (Chief Manager)
Bengaluru

In 2001, Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, introduced the concept of Level Five Leadership,
characterized by the paradoxical combination of personal humility and fierce professional will.
Such leadership is essential for creating enduring greatness in organizations, according to Jim
Collins.

Introduction building institutions that are not only profitable but also
ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, India stands
at a crossroad where traditional leadership models are being
This article explores the essence of Level Five Leadership in
re-evaluated to meet contemporary challenges. The the Indian context, examines its critical importance in
concept of Level Five Leadership, introduced by Jim Collins, contemporary India, and discusses how aspiring Indian
emphasizes a blend of personal humility and professional leaders can embody this leadership paradigm.
will. This leadership style is increasingly relevant in India,
where cultural values and modern business demands Understanding Level Five Leadership:
intersect.
The Core Tenets
In 2001, Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, introduced Jim Collins outlined five levels of leadership, with Level Five
the concept of Level Five Leadership, characterized by the sitting at the top:
paradoxical combination of personal humility and fierce 1. Highly Capable Individual
professional will. Such leadership is essential for creating
enduring greatness in organizations, according to Jim 2. Contributing Team Member
Collins. 3. Competent Manager
4. Effective Leader
While the concept emerged from research in Western
corporate settings, its applicability and relevance in India's 5. Level Five Leader
socio-economic and cultural landscape are profound and
timely. In an era where India stands at the crossroads of Level Five Leaders combine extreme personal humility with
economic ambition, technological innovation, and societal intense professional will. They are ambitious for their
transformation, Level Five Leadership holds the key to organizations, not for themselves, and focus on building

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