In his epochal book, Good to Great, author Jim Collins talked about “Level 5” leaders, the ones who generate the very best results, consistently, over time. Most interesting is that they embody seemingly opposite characteristics. On the one hand, they are modest, humble and self-effacing. Yet in the same person dwells a ferocious resolve to have the organization they lead achieve great results.
Research from The Leadership Circle reveals the same dichotomy in the most effective leaders: caring, collaborative, relationship oriented, selfless AND driven toward a vision and decisive around achieving results.
The ability to apparently sustain both sides of the paradox comes with a leader having attained a higher stage of adult development, a more highly developed level of consciousness. They can state clearly what they think and want AND, in the same breath, be open to considering–and even integrating–the ideas, contrary positions and criticisms of others.
But I don’t believe these great leaders see this as mastering and balancing opposite tendencies. I don’t think they experience the paradox. I think they work and live from a place of integration, above rather than between these seemingly contradictory elements.
Why do I think this? Because of the expanding body of work linking leadership to adult development, as well as a sense of it from a couple of people I’ve known. I can’t be certain about this, though. I’m not operating from that level…yet.
