Edgy Leadership
- Willliam Vogel
- Jul 17, 2017
- 2 min read
Today we are seeing examples of edgy leadership.. It is leadership that goes against status quo. It is leadership that shakes the very foundations of beliefs and is often seen as extremely controversial. It is leadership that restores as well as expands minds. It usually is very result-oriented leadership, but results in deep antagonism and pushback from those who don't agree. It takes an extremely gifted leader to navigate these waters. It is leadership that tells you what you need to hear as opposed to what you want to hear. It is extremely candid and upfront. This type of leadership requires one to walk the tightrope of transparency. It requires follow through and results to maintain any kind of momentum. This type of leadership really defines your deep core beliefs and how far you will go to stand for those beliefs. These are truly unique leaders, often once in a life time kind of leaders. They are ones that refuse to sugar coat or to be politically correct. Usually forward thinkers with definite opinions willing to work day and night to achieve their passion. These leaders can be polarizing, which is not all bad. Sometimes it is a good thing to realize one must stand for something or fall for everything. These leaders state their case and let the chips fall where they may. These are ideological leaders who are constantly looking for a platform to win the battle of ideas and philosophies. Theses leaders can be extremely thought provoking and intellectually stimulating. These leaders are those who paint on the canvas of controversy with big and bold strokes. Theses are top down leaders and often micro-managers. I entered the doors of Winston Churchill Library and was overwhelmed by the feeling of deep passion and edgy leadership ..everywhere I looked were examples of his statesmanship and his desire to present his case to the world with uplifting and great encouragement.. Freedom and liberty were his passions and for that he was willing to lead. He was always a salesman for hope and confidence. The bold words, the bold ideas and plans; the bold results caused Him to be remembered as the lion that roared when England needed him to lead. Edgy leadership
1. Strong and totally committed to core beliefs
2. Very Hard work but work that must show actual results to stop and shut up the critics
3. Leadership that is not politically correct. Leadership that Bucks the status quo.
4. Leadership that would love to please everyone but the leader realizes this will never happen and is at peace with that. It is leadership that strengthens its base and then seeks to add other "believers" to the team. Leadership that is always reaching out to convert more to the point of view and passion of the leader.
5. Leadership that uses controversy for an advantage. These leaders consider any publicity as "good publicity". This spotlights the leader and the passion of the leader. This is one of the leaders tool to keep the eyes and ears on his agenda and his passion.
6. "Gut leadership"