– shown at worlds most famous and difficult alpine skiing downhill track – THE STREIF at Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm, Austria
A majority of people aspire to be leaders and every leader aspires to be successful, but it is not always a smooth ride to the top. At times you will experience success beyond your wildest dreams, and at other times you will encounter challenges that will make you want to quit. The highs and lows of business may call for extreme leadership.
Extreme leadership is synonymous to extreme sport. Extreme sports are activities perceived to have a high level of inherent danger. These activities involve speed, height, an elevated level of physical exertion and specialized gear. Extreme leadership explains as the dynamic interplay of fear and love –two of the most powerful experiences in human nature. Embracing extreme leadership can be easy if you follow these tips.
Put on Your Specialized Gear
Any competitor knows that a key rule of the game is to have the right equipment. For example, if you were a downhill skier, would you go without your DH-skis? Whether you are just practicing for a competition or doing it for leisure, you need your special skis to enjoy the activity.
The same applies to leadership, your first step is to be equipped for the job, and you should have the right set of equipment. Set up the systems you need to run and manage your business effectively. Be selective in your purchases especially of technological equipments, so that they meet the needs of the business and its customers, giving you a competitive edge in the crowded marketplace. With the right gear you are able to handle challenges that come your way with ease.
Focus on Where You Are Going
You cannot hit what you cannot see. Focusing on your long-term goal will help you reach your destination faster. However, when you are distracted by what is happening on the sideline and questioning your every move, you will take too long to achieve your objectives or not achieve them at all. In example, if at the Hahnenkamm starthouse you are not focused, you will not manage the 60 meter jump after 5 seconds race and having reached already 120 kph.
If you need to adjust your goals, do that only after aligning them to your customers’ journey. Utilize the insights you gather from the big data analysis. Other than understanding your customers’ needs and wants, you will also know what is dragging you down. Focus gives you discipline and tenacity to keep moving forward.
Be Ready to Speed
You need speed to win. Think about „The Streif“; the bumps and curves come in different magnitudes and they do not wait for you to get ready. Black ice and more „grippy“ conditions are constantly changing. If you are not ready, you will fall. When you are prepared to steer with confidence and speed, and think 10 steps ahead of your competition, you will come out on top.Being ready helps you to maintain momentum even when things get tough. However, to make your journey less bumpy, ensure you gather all necessary information to take action. Business is changing at a faster rate than ever before, and you need to adapt with ease and speed to be successful.
Be Confident
Your confidence determines how far you go. If fear of the unknown overpowers your love for what you do, you will definitely not be able to stay afloat on the big and long jumps. Your love for the “sport” gives you the foundation for your confidence and insights from Big Data build it to greater heights. Confidence is also about believing in you. You should wake up every morning with energy to face what comes your way.
Extreme leadership is a necessity for every leader to excel and succeed in the aggressively competitive market. You do not have to be loud to be extreme, just be strategic. When you put on your specialized gear, focus on where you are going, be ready to speed and maintain confidence, you are on the right track.
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