Tom Peters' Definition of Leadership

Peters, characteristically, provides huge lengthy lists of what leadership is.

For him, leadership is a bunch of paradoxes (like much else): its both simple and complex, digging deep and soaring high, all about the people yet potentially lonely etc. Peters' favorite "Leaders are..." quote is one of 287 definitions he received from his enormous readership: "Leaders need to be the Rock of Gibralter on Rollerblades!"

Here's my take on a Peters-style leaders to-do list:

1. Uncertainty is here to stay - you can be certain of that: be prepared to say "I don't know".

2. Be a dealer in hope - keep an eye out for Grand Possibilities. Inspire others by throwing down a Great Challenge.

3. DO SOMETHING! Become an Action Figure. Life's too short to strive to be right first time. Get on with it. Behave like a venture capitalist: take lots of risks and make lots of bets. Keep churning your "portfolio" of interesting people and projects.

4. Accept mistakes as the Price of Greatness.

5. Bring people together. Create the shortest distance between talented people. Don't just order them about - "ordering" change is a stupid waste of time

6. Succession plan. Mentor, mentor, mentor. Encourage and cultivate the next generation of leaders

7. Find the "freaks" for they shall inherit the Earth!

8. Deliver a forum for the "freaks" to showcase their groovy stuff

9. Protect them from the doom-mongers and naysayers

10. Cut from your organisation those who don't measure up - ruthlessly and charitably.

11. Promote the wackiest, youngest, coolest "freaks"! Often.

12. Make finding incredible talent your number one priority - actively and aggressively seek out the very best. Pay well for the very best.

13. Leadership is a confidence game. Act the part.

14. Get rid of all the clutter that undermines your sense of focus. Create a To-Don't list and add to it frequently!

15. Take a break - chill out. Let your projects mature. Don't try to control the "fruits of your boss work"

16. Love, Laugh, Smile and express your Passion for what you do.

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