How to Become a Level 5 Leader Through Emotional Intelligence Development

If you’ve ever heard Jim Collins’ concept of a Level 5 Leader, you’re probably wondering how you can get there. Although there’s no fast track to becoming a Level 5 Leader, there are skills and qualities you can learn through emotional intelligence development.

Here at The Metiss Group, we’re experts in emotional intelligence development. We take our clients through The Emotional Intelligence Journey™: a three- to six-month program designed to take leaders and team members to the next level. 

In this article, we’ll show you how you can become a Level 5 Leader through emotional intelligence development. We’ll discuss:

• What is Level 5 Leadership?
• What is Emotional Intelligence?
• How Emotional Intelligence Develops Level 5 Leaders

Understanding Level 5 Leadership

Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, introduced the concept of Level 5 Leadership as the highest form of leadership effectiveness. These leaders blend deep personal humility with an unshakable professional will, leading their organizations to long-term success without seeking personal fame or fortune.

Unlike traditional leaders who rely on charisma or authority, Level 5 Leaders work quietly behind the scenes, ensuring the organization remains the focal point — not themselves.

They take responsibility when things go wrong but give credit to others when success is achieved. Collins' research showed companies led by Level 5 Leaders significantly outperformed their competitors. In other words, this leadership style isn't just admirable; it delivers tangible results.

The Five Levels of Leadership

Before reaching Level 5, leaders progress through four foundational stages:

• Level 1: Highly Capable Individual – Possesses strong technical skills and contributes productively as an individual.
• Level 2: Contributing Team Member – Works well with others, contributing to team success.
• Level 3: Competent Manager – Organizes resources efficiently to achieve team objectives.
• Level 4: Effective Leader – Inspires and motivates a team toward a clear vision and higher performance.

Most organizations are filled with Level 4 Leaders: charismatic, driven, and ambitious. However, Level 5 Leaders go beyond personal ambition, focusing on sustainable success for the entire organization rather than individual accolades. 

This requires a deep understanding of oneself and others, which is where Emotional Intelligence (EQ) becomes essential.

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions while also being attuned to the emotions of others. 

While technical expertise and strategic thinking are valuable, research consistently shows high EQ is a defining trait of exceptional leaders. 

In the case of Level 5 Leadership, EQ development is crucial because it directly strengthens the humility, resilience, and interpersonal skills required for true leadership excellence.

How Emotional Intelligence Develops Level 5 Leaders

The Metiss Group’s program, called The Emotional Intelligence Journey™, is designed to cultivate the very traits that make Level 5 Leaders stand apart. By focusing on self-awareness, decision-making, and empathy, leaders learn to balance humility with professional will.

Cultivating Personal Humility Through Self-Awareness

One of the defining characteristics of a Level 5 Leader is humility. They do not seek personal recognition, nor do they blame others for failures. Instead, they take responsibility and share credit with their team.

Emotional Intelligence development strengthens self-awareness, allowing leaders to recognize their own biases, emotional triggers, and areas for improvement. When leaders understand themselves better, they become less defensive and more open to feedback, reinforcing the humility required for Level 5 Leadership.

For example, a leader who consistently seeks input from their team and embraces constructive feedback is demonstrating both EQ and the humility of a Level 5 Leader. Rather than being driven by ego, they prioritize the best outcomes for the organization.

Strengthening Decision-Making for Level 5 Leadership

Level 5 Leaders make thoughtful, strategic decisions that serve the organization rather than personal interests. They do not react impulsively or let emotions cloud their judgment but instead take a measured approach.

Decision-making, a key component of EQ, helps leaders balance logic with emotional awareness. Rather than making rash choices based on pressure or ego, they gather input, assess options objectively, and commit to the best course of action. This disciplined approach fosters trust, stability, and sustainable growth.

For example, a high-EQ leader facing budget cuts will explore creative solutions, such as restructuring roles, rather than resorting to immediate layoffs. This ability to think critically and empathetically ensures decisions align with both business goals and organizational values.

Enhancing Empathy to Lead with Outward Passion

Jim Collins describes Level 5 Leaders as channeling their ambition into the organization rather than themselves. This outward focus requires a deep understanding of what motivates and challenges others, which is where empathy plays a vital role.

Leaders with high EQ develop a strong sense of empathy, allowing them to connect with their team members on a meaningful level. They recognize when employees are struggling and take proactive steps to support them. This builds trust, loyalty, and a shared commitment to the organization’s mission.

Consider a leader who notices a team member is disengaged. Instead of reprimanding them for poor performance, they take the time to understand the root cause during their one-on-one meetings: whether it's burnout, personal stress, or unclear expectations.

By addressing the issue with empathy, they create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute.

My hypothesis is that there are two categories of people: those who do not have the seed of Level 5 and those who do. … The second category of people—and I suspect the larger group—consists of those who have the potential to evolve to Level 5; the capability resides within them, perhaps buried or ignored, but there nonetheless. And under the right circumstances—self-reflection, conscious personal development, a mentor, a great teacher, loving parents, a significant life experience, a Level 5 boss, or any number of other factors—they begin to develop.

- Jim Collins

Developing Level 5 Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence

Becoming a Level 5 Leader is not about innate talent or raw ambition. It requires a commitment to personal growth, self-awareness, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.

At The Metiss Group, we shepherd our clients through The Emotional Intelligence Journey™  to provide them the tools necessary to cultivate these qualities. We’ve seen leaders evolve from authority figures into true servant leaders: ones who leave a lasting impact not just on their organizations, but on everyone they lead.

Now that you understand how to become a Level 5 Leader through EQ development, the next step is to consider whether you’d be a good fit for emotional intelligence development.