5 Outrageous Acts of Leadership

Extraordinary leaders go beyond conventional expectations, taking bold actions that often challenge the status quo. Here are five of the most outrageous yet powerful acts. Caution: they aren’t for everyone.

1. Radical Transparency
Extraordinary leaders can take transparency to the extreme, sharing everything from company financials to personal failures with their teams. This outrageous honesty can seem risky but creates a deep sense of trust and authenticity. By opening up about mistakes or challenges, these leaders empower others to do the same, fostering a culture where innovation and learning thrive.

2. Unconventional Decision-Making
Some leaders are willing to make decisions that seem outrageous at first glance—whether it’s Elon Musk’s decision to send a car into space or Richard Branson’s ventures into industries he knew little about. These leaders are willing to bet on the untested, take moonshots, and challenge assumptions, sparking breakthroughs others wouldn’t even dream of attempting.

3. Delegating Authority to the Extreme
Delegating almost everything and allowing teams to make high-stakes decisions without approval can seem reckless. Yet, some leaders practice extreme delegation to unlock the full potential of their people. For example, leaders like the late Tony Hsieh of Zappos gave employees enormous autonomy, trusting that empowered individuals create the best customer experience. It’s about giving up control to inspire ownership and creativity.

4. Publicly Challenging the Norm
Extraordinary leaders often publicly challenge societal or industry norms, sometimes in ways that provoke controversy. Whether it’s advocating for a four-day workweek or challenging outdated management hierarchies, these leaders disrupt established paradigms. It takes courage and foresight to take risks that defy traditional and accepted practices. It can also lead to outrageous innovations.

5. Outrageous Generosity
Finally, extraordinary leaders are capable of acts of generosity that seem almost impossible. Whether it’s giving away a significant portion of their wealth (like Chuck Feeney, who gave away nearly his entire fortune), or investing resources into causes with no direct benefit to their business, this kind of generosity not only transforms organizations but often reshapes entire communities.

These acts might seem outrageous because they go against the grain of conventional leadership, but they are often the very things that allow these leaders to create extraordinary results.

What outrageous things have you done as a leader?

Mark Sanborn is an award winning speaker, leadership strategist and Leadership Expert in Residence at High Point University, the Premier Life Skills University which challenges students to “choose to be extraordinary.” He also advises executives and professional speakers on how to speak more powerfully. For more information about his work, visit www.marksanborn.com. 

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