Humility meet the needs of every person,

Humility and Professional Will:Characteristics of a Level 5 LeaderRaShanda Allen ChapmanBelhaven University            Level5 Leadership: Personal Humility and Professional Will            A Level 5 leader must exhibitcertain qualities to move a school from good to great.  This type of leader understands the need forgrowing individuals, while moving toward success.

  A level 5 leader uses what is within to changethe atmosphere and the people around him or her.  This paper will describe, in detail, two ofthe most important qualities of a Level 5 leader and how these qualities areshown throughout the culture of the school.             According to Good to Great, a trueleader does not allow his or her ego to get in the way of success.  This leader understands the need for the teamand realizes that the goal can’t be reached alone.

  A true measure of success is the ability ofothers to get the job done, even after the Level 5 leader is no longerthere.  Level 5 leaders in schools mustthink of the bigger picture-it is not about how the decision affects theleader, but how it affects everyone. Personal humility means being humble, notboastful.  A humble leader does not wantto be praised or envied, they simply want to get the job done, by any meansnecessary.

  In schools, it is importantthat the leader build strong, lasting relationships where the teachers andother staff members feel loved and appreciated. The leader should greet his or her staff, make conversation, be anactive listener, work to meet the needs of every person, help when needed, andshow appreciation for a job well done.  Aleader should show love at all times.  Patterson(2003) describes this love as agape love-meaning “to do the right thing at theright time, and for the right reasons.” Level 5 leaders should always do theright thing, even when no one is watching. These leaders should make the right decisions for all who are involved-students,teachers, other staff, parents, and the community.

  According to Shaw and Newton (2014), humilityalso means that the leader is aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Thistype of leader will take advice from others because they realize that they don’thave all of the answers.  This servantleader who displays humility is able to influence the staff at students andguide the school toward greatness.            A Level 5 leader must also haveprofessional will.  This leader mustfirst have a vision about the direction of the school. This leader must thentake steps toward that vision.  Accordingto Collins (2001), this leader must have “ferocious resolve.

”  This means doing whatever needs to be donefor the students and school to be successful. This type of leader will do whatever is needed, mopping floors, teachinga class, tutoring, etc. to ensure that the goals are being met.

  The leader of a school should have a vision,mission, and goals set for the school. Every person in the school building should be aware of the vision,mission, and goals and work towards meeting those standards.  A Level 5 leader should also beknowledgeable. Professional development is important in education.  The leader must know and understand what isexpected and be willing to help others to gain the knowledge needed to completeall tasks.

  The leader should know whattype of professional learning opportunities are needed and ensure that theprofessional learning is offered in many different ways to ensure all of thelearning styles are accommodated. A level 5 leader must also empower the peoplearound them.  A true leader understandswhen it is time to give others an opportunity to take charge and get thingsdone.

  Professional will allowseducational leaders to do what needs to be done, while ensuring that others aregaining the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the goals of theorganization.            According to an interview with Jim Collinsby Michael Brosnan (2015), a great organization has to meet three criteria tobe considered great: have superior results as related to its mission, have adistinctive impact, and lasting endurance. A Level 5 leader must exhibit humility and professional will in order tobe successful leaders.  This leader isone who builds trusting relationships, changes the school culture, hasmeasurable goals, encourages professional growth, and guides the school towardsgreatness.                     ReferencesBrosnan,M. (2015). Humility, Will, and Level 5 Leadership.

Independent School, 74(3), 34-38.Collins,J.C., (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t.            New York, NY, HarperBusiness.Patterson,K.

(2003). Servant Leadership: A Theoretical Model. Servant Leadership Research Roundtable.Retrieved from http://www.

regent.edu.Shaw,J., & Newton, J. (2014). Teacher Retention and Satisfaction with a ServantLeader as Principal.

Education,135(1), 101-106.