<i>Sales Speak:</i> Zombies, Stampeding Horses and the King of Prussia

In our book, the Crazy Impact of Leadership, Rick Justus points out that the most often overlooked leadership task is leaving a legacy for the organization — an impact for the future. He calls it “crazy” because most leadership programs and texts forget this key contribution of a real leader. In fact, Steve Jobs described his goal, when Apple began, as building “insane new products.”

Now, why can't I define leadership for you? I keep going to the well looking for a definition from the experts and here's what I've found:

1. In a recent backlogofbusiness blog, there was a great article about “Leading into the Future.” It addresses the ever-changing business landscape, the need to train your teams for the future, keeping your workforce informed, being transparent, helping them to understand your vision and keeping your workforce fully engaged. It sounded great until the blog page ended with a large advertisement: “POTTY TRAIN YOUR DOG IN 6 DAYS.” I won't give you the author's name.
2. While continuing to search for a definition of leadership, I researched what others identified as major leadership keys. One said: “MAKE IT A STRONG HAPPY TEAM.” Another called for “Freedom Based Leadership.” Reading the definition makes it sound like herding cats.
3. Here's another of my favorites, “SIMPLY FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF.”
4. How about this one: “THINK OF YOURSELF AS BEING THE SUN,” quoting astronomer Kepler in her definition.
5. I ended my search when coming across this quote from Jack Welch, GE's former boss: “KNOW THAT WEEDS BECOME DEAD WOOD.”

Is it any wonder I can't define leadership? However, I can relate to you the components of exceptional leadership and how to leave your own Crazy Impact. Through my work as a chief executive, speaker and advisor to managing partners, agency administrators, etc., here are the six skillsets that are each crucially linked in order to make an impact. They are:

1. Leaders listen;
2. Leaders make decisions;
3. Leaders communicate;
4. Leaders hold people accountable for results;
5. Leaders take risks; AND
6. Leaders leave a legacy.

The analogy most fitting is that of an orchestra leader. “To be successful they must turn their backs on the audience.” (James Crook) Think about attending a symphony orchestra performance and the experience of bringing a diverse group of instruments together. Such a performance can serve as a reminder of how amazing things can result when various elements work together for one outcome.