Brave Leaders are Transformational
What does it look like to be a brave leader? And what benefits stem from that type of leadership? I've witnessed firsthand the extraordinary growth and success that radiates from brave leadership, both for individuals, companies, and the people they serve. Over the next few months, I'll be sharing six key characteristics of these role models, hoping to inspire you to reap similar benefits for those you influence, both professionally and personally.
Here’s the third one - brave leaders are transformational.
The first job I had when I graduated from college was as a corporate sponsorship account executive at the Denver Nuggets. Dream job, for sure! The president of the team at that time was a true visionary. He had structured the naming rights deal for the Target Center in Minnesota and would go on to craft the Staples Center deal in Los Angeles. I had no idea at the time what a gift it was to work for a person who knew no boundaries and never took “no” for an answer. He truly embodied what I mean when I say “transformational” leadership.
We were trying to build a new arena to support our NBA team and proposed NHL franchise (which later became the Colorado Avalanche). Pepsi was one of our local anchor sponsors for the Nuggets. This leader reached out to their national corporate office with an invitation to come to Denver for a proposal for the naming rights to the new arena. They were disinterested and said, “no thanks.” We were all devastated… for about a day.
Without missing a beat, he somehow got them to commit to flying into Denver for 2 hours, including transportation time to and from the airport! We had less than 60 minutes to wow these executives and worked for weeks to convert our old arena into what “could” be the Pepsi Center, complete with professional basketball and hockey players, mascots, a TV truck showing feed from a “fake” concert, branded merchandise, and a red carpet out to a helicopter that flew them over the proposed arena site with a giant Pepsi Center banner where the arena would be. It was like nothing I had ever seen or have ever seen since. It took the efforts of about 100 people and a significant investment on a long shot. It was truly magical, and guess what – it worked because this leader knew how to transform mundane practices, concepts, and visions into spectacular dreams!
He also knew how to paint such a compelling picture that you dreamt right along with him. Talk about motivating a team to do the impossible! It was a privilege to work for him, and I will never forget what I learned. His mindset was to inspire, push boundaries, think big, and then think BIGGER!
So how can you be transformational as a brave leader? Here are some ideas:
Visionary Thinking
A transformational leader has the ability to see beyond the present way of doing things and imagine a bold, compelling future. They cultivate a strong sense of purpose and inspire their teams with a shared vision that challenges the status quo. It’s very important to be skilled in communicating the vision, as oftentimes it has quite the shock value on the team! This visionary mindset eventually fuels passion and commitment, motivating people to rally around a common goal and push past limitations.
Emotional Courage
Brave leaders are not afraid to be vulnerable, express their emotions, or confront difficult truths. They understand that showing empathy and authentic emotion builds trust and connection with their teams. Emotional courage allows them to face tough decisions head-on and foster a culture of openness where others feel safe to take risks and speak up. The risks are great, but the rewards are too!
Growth Mindset
Transformational leaders see challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. There may not have been a Colorado Avalanche if this leader had taken Pepsi’s first “no” as the finale. Instead, he dealt with the challenge and creatively convinced them to listen. This mindset encourages innovation, experimentation, and resilience, enabling teams to navigate tough scenarios.
These mindsets form the foundation of transformational leadership that drives lasting change and creates environments where people thrive and achieve their highest potential. Are you brave enough as a leader? I can help unlock your full potential, allowing you to become a more courageous, confident leader with an affordable yet valuable coaching package. Together, we'll explore your strengths, identify your blind spots, and develop a personalized strategy to help you achieve your goals. Click here to set up a discovery call to see how I can help.
