Level One:  A capable individual who makes productive contributions through talent, knowledge, skills and good work habits.

Level Two:  Also a team member, he contributes his individual capabilities to the achievement of the group objectives and works effectively with others in group settings.

Level Three:  A competent manager. He knows how to organize people and resources towards the effective and efficient pursuit of predetermined objectives.

Level Four:  Goes one step further and becomes an effective leader, he catalyses commitment to and a vigorous pursuit of a clear and compelling vision, stimulating higher performance standards.

Level Five:  The person who knows how to build enduring greatness through paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.

So, what are the characteristics of a level five leader?

1) Drive for sustained results: The difference between the Level 5 and other leaders is that they are driven to produce sustainable results for their organizations. The idea is that level five leaders create long term sustainable change.

2) Set up successors for success: Level 5 leaders are generally more interested in the success of the organization than there own personal success. They want to leave a lasting legacy of an organization that continues to prosper. They are self confident enough to hire competent people (get the right people on the bus) and then delegate.

3) Modesty: Should demonstrate compelling humility. They act with quite, calm determination; and rely on inspired standards, not inspiring charisma, to motivate.

4) Take responsibility: Level 5 leaders stand out because they take responsibility when things go wrong. They do not look to blame others when things do not work out as expected. In addition, they rarely seek to take credit for things that go right, generally seeking to attribute the success to other factors.

5) Organization focus: The ambition of the Level 5 leader is first and foremost on the organization. Their desire for success for the organization that they lead far outweighs their drive for personal rewards.