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Level 5 Leaders Characteristics and Operating Style

Adopting Technology

When Iverson was asked to rank the top five factors that contributed to the transformation of Nucor from good to great, technology figured nowhere. According to him, consistency of the company, and ability to project its philosophies throughout the organization (made possible by the lack of layers and bureaucracy) were the major factors that made it possible.

His executives also felt the same. They rated right people (applies to both laborers and key managers), and performance culture of the organization far above technology.

As the example shows, technology is just an accelerator of momentum in the organization. It can never create that. Hence, level 5 leaders never emphasis on technology first in their quest for transition in their companies. They believe that in order to use the technology appropriately, they should first understand how relevant the technology is.

Once they understand its relevance, and ensure its conformity with organization’s Hedgehog concept, do they apply the technology. Thus level 5 leaders adopt technology based on calm equanimity and appropriateness. From the above study it seems that Level 5 leaders are indispensable for creating great companies. But how to find them and where to find them? Jim Collins suggests two ways.

First is to stop looking for leaders who are bigger than life size. In majority of cases, they are good at ensuring only short-term returns, and are known for harming long-term interests of organizations. Second is to look for a place where extraordinary results are a norm and where no single individual claims the credit. There surely hides a level 5 leader.

Leadership Challenges Managing Change in Organizations >>>

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