As I said in an earlier post, The Extreme Leader is audacious not to serve his or her own ego, but to serve the common good–and to do so boldly and blatantly and let the naysayers be damned.
But watch out.
The most common and insidious “normal constraints” are the ones that are imposed on you by others. This imposition isn’t malicious, necessarily. It just comes from their sad, limited set of beliefs about what’s possible.
Don’t let their beliefs become yours.
Presumed limitations take many forms. Whenever you see a better way to do things or better things to do,
make a list of all the “normal constraints” that seem to be holding you back.
Are they systems, policies, or procedures? Is it a particular person or group of people? Do you doubt yourself? Or is your company’s history holding you back? Many audacious ideas and actions have been thwarted by the simple words: “We tried that once, and it didn’t work then,” or “That’ll never work around here; it’s just not the way we do it,” or “Your’re dreaming.”
Now, for all the right reasons, disregard that list.
And then ask (and answer) the following question. It is the ultimate audacity question because of its scope and extraordinary possibilities. It is impossible to be an Extreme Leader without putting this question at the center of your agenda:
“How are we going to change the world?”
Your can tackle that by thinking–literally–about the entire world, the global community. And bless you for thinking that way. By the same token, however, it is no less noble to ask (and answer) this question:
How are we going to change the world of our company, employees, customers, marketplace, and industry?
Remember, the “entire world” is made up solely of people like the ones you touch in your personal and professional life. So, why not start with your world? Every “normal constraint” in the proverbial book will tell you that this question is unrealistic and a waste of time. Boldly and blatantly disregard that book.
Now…ask others to join you in this endeavor; show them what you think is possible, and show them that your belief in their capabilities is greater than their belief in their own. Ask others to help you to change the world…
…and you have just inspired audacity.
Steve: I agree so very much with your post! Yet, at the same time, I have also been in situations where the audacious leader has seemed to be disconnected from the real world, wanting to do things that completely defied all trend indicators. How do we strike a balance?
Steve: I agree so very much with your post! Yet, at the same time, I have also been in situations where the audacious leader has seemed to be disconnected from the real world, wanting to do things that completely defied all trend indicators. How do we strike a balance?