A startup business doesn’t need too many bosses. It needs people who can roll up their sleeves, get things done, and solve problems on the fly.

According to renowned business researcher, [_"Good to Great"_ author Jim Collins](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/events/a02RG000002EGYsYAO/overview/?sid=a0KRG000003yPug2AE), there are 5 distinct levels of leadership, [Level 5 leadership](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/levelfiveleadership/) being the top level:

*   Level 5 - Great leader
*   Level 4 - Effective leader
*   Level 3 - Competent manager
*   Level 2 - Contributing team member
*   **Level 1 - Highly capable individual**

In this blog we’re concentrating on the **Level 1 leaders** – which are those highly capable individuals who roll up their sleeves.

In the beginning this may be just the solo entrepreneur/startup founder. With more employees on board, this base of quality Level 1 leaders will support the organisation to thrive and grow.  

All startups and all great businesses must get this critical Level 1 foundation right.

As Jim Collins says:

> "Great vision without great people is irrelevant."

So, let’s get started….

5 Levels of Leadership

Jim Collins describes Level 1 Leadership as “good individual skills.” People with these skills show personal leadership traits; they may not yet be leading others.

Liz Wiseman says in her book [_“Impact Players”_](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/LizWisemanImpactPlayers/) these are **“indispensable”** people on your team.

·        They understand what their own leaders consider valuable, and they **target their efforts** where it has the most impact and influence.

Jim Collins has long counselled business leaders to _“get the right people on the bus”_ by making _“supreme people decisions.”_ Level 1 leaders should be on your bus. They are the type of people you’d want in your startup because of their **productive contribution** through talent, knowledge, skills, and good working habits.

·        They make a meaningful contribution to the team and they have a good understanding of **the task at hand**.

·        They do a good job and **apply their knowledge** effectively.

What is Level 1 Leadership? 

As you’ve gleaned, a highly capable team member (Level 1 leader) is a big asset for a start-up. They’re especially useful because they have/are:

**Exceptional Talent and Skills:**

Expertise in the core functions of the business, such as product development, marketing, finance, or operations, is gold for a startup business, as it helps with problem-solving and innovation.

For example, a highly capable engineer in a tech start-up might design and build a complex software system from scratch, or a marketing staffer might devise a strategy to acquire customers efficiently.

**Strong Work Ethic and Commitment:**

A highly capable staffer will often going above and beyond their defined responsibilities.

They manage their time and maintain a high level of productivity, even in the face of the challenges and ambiguity inherent in a start-up environment.

For instance, a highly capable salesperson might make a large volume of calls when prospecting for new leads, or a finance professional might agree to work late to help secure funding.

**Proactive and Self-Directed:**

The highly capable team member doesn’t always wait to be told what to do but takes initiative. They ensure their actions align with the company's goals and priorities.

For example, a storeroom packer in a start-up might identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements without being explicitly directed to do so.

**Adaptability and Resourcefulness:**

High potential people with Level 1 Leadership qualities quickly adapt to changing circumstances, unfamiliar tasks, and evolving priorities, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow.

In a start-up they might need to wear multiple hats as they adapt their role to the company's evolving needs.

Highly Capable Team Members: Professional Competence 

Level 1 leaders drive project outcomes through their exceptional individual skills. Their technical expertise, tireless work ethic, and ability to **work autonomously** make them indispensable. They tackle complex challenges, find creative solutions, and often go above and beyond.

This positively impacts team dynamics, as Level 1 leaders model best practices, mentor others, and free up managers to focus strategically. 

**Don't Rely on Single Superstar**

However, their outsized influence can also **create tensions** if not balanced. Over-reliance on a single superstar can stifle team development. And when Level 1 leaders leave, their absence can be deeply disruptive.

The startup's success hinges on striking the right balance - leveraging Level 1 leaders' strengths while also building a well-rounded, resilient team.

The Impact of Level 1 Leaders Skills on Startup Teams

Highly capable Level 1 leaders in startups often face challenges like **limited authority** and narrow scope of **influence**. Without formal leadership roles, their impact can be constrained. They may struggle to enact big-picture change or get buy-in for their ideas.

This can frustrate talented individuals and prevent startups from fully leveraging their skills. 

Usually it's **unrecognised contributions** and **lack of advancement** opportunities may lead to burnout or departures, destabilising the startup. Balancing Level 1 leaders' autonomy and impact is crucial for startup growth and sustainability.

Challenges and Barriers for Level 1 Leaders in Startups

Startups can nurture Level 1 leaders through mentorship, [learning and development](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/Learninganddevelopmentstrategy/) programs, [leadership development](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/leadershipdevelopmentprogram/), and cross-functional opportunities. Mentoring pairs high-potential individuals with experienced executives. Continuous learning **keeps skills sharp**. Cross-team projects expand influence and exposure.

This empowers Level 1 leaders to take on **more responsibility** and hone leadership abilities. Startups should build a culture that values the person’s work, celebrates successes, and provides clear pathways for advancement. Proactively **identifying and developing** Level 1 talent will ensure a robust leadership pipeline for the future.

Fostering the Growth of Level 1 Leaders in Startup Businesses

As the startup grows and more staff are brought on, Level 1 leaders can evolve into more senior roles through a combination of increased responsibility, [leadership training](https://join.thegrowthfaculty.com/#plans), and mentorship. They will need new skills to be an **effective team manager**. Startup founders should provide regular feedback, **leadership development** training, and clear advancement opportunities to support this growth.

Pathways to Advancement: Elevating Level 1 Leaders

Startup businesses destined for greatness **recognise and value** their highly capable “A players” or “impact players.” They acknowledge their work, and they offer them learning and development opportunities to advance their careers.

To harness the potential of Level 1 leaders, startup leaders and founders should:

*   Identify high-potential individuals early and provide **targeted development** opportunities
*   Empower Level 1 leaders with **increased autonomy**, resources, and cross-functional projects
*   Implement structured **mentorship** programs to help them develop critical leadership skills
*   Foster a culture that values individual contribution and provides clear **paths for advancement**
*   Ensure Level 1 leaders feel recognised and incentivised to **grow their careers** within the organisation

By strategically investing in and cultivating their Level 1 talent, startups will reap significant long-term benefits for their growth and success.

Maximizing the Potential of Level 1 Leadership in Startups

Realise the potential of your highly capable individuals and Level 1 leaders by offering them [Growth Faculty annual membership](https://join.thegrowthfaculty.com/#plans). 

Unlimited access to dozens of live virtual masterclasses on trending topics around work, career, leadership, and culture; such as psychological safety, burnout, difficult conversations, strategy and execution, micromanaging, accountability and more.

Plus, year-round leadership content on-demand with replays of our live events, highlight reels, interviews with top business authors, and more.

Have your team join a community of knowledge seekers who are inspired by the best. See our [latest program of live virtual and in-person events](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J4G000008xoC7&promoCode=Blog&utm_source=TGF&utm_medium=blog).

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How Level 1 Leadership Helps Startup Entrepreneurs to Succeed

Professional skills and Rolling Up Your Sleeves: What Traits Are Needed in Startups

Keep informedStay Inspired

Keep informed
Stay Inspired