“Leadership” has become a new buzzword, and is usually applied to those in top positions without much thought about what it actually means and whether the person it’s applied to actually posesses leadership qualities. This was one of the primary messages delivered by Steve Farber, president of Extreme Leadership Inc., author, and leadership development speaker, as he shared his views on true leadership during his Directions08 keynote address, “Extreme Leadership: at Work and Beyond.”
Farber’s address outlined exactly what he means by “leadership” and more, particularly his phrase “extreme leadership.” “Extreme leadership” is purposely redundant, because if you’re truly being a strong leader, Farber says, you’re already doing extreme: being actively and intentionally involved in taking a radical leap each day.
He shared his LEAP principles—which stand for Love, Energy, Audacity, and Proof—that he believes effective leaders (should) integrate into business and life.
Cultivate Love—provide the best customer service and recruitment strategies. The more difficult it is to answer this question, the more important it is to ask: Why do I love this work/company/staff?
Generate Energy—as a leader, it is your job to be the living embodiment and example of someone who is excited and energized by their work.
Inspire Audacity—show a bold and blatant disregard for conventional constraints in order to change the world (your business world, your family world, your community).
Provide Proof—prove that you mean what you say by your actions. Prove yourself to others by holding yourself accountable. So ask yourself: What is leadership?
