In the world of business and leadership, there are those who merely follow the trends, and then there are the game changers. Game changers are individuals who possess a unique blend of qualities that enable them to challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and leave a lasting impact on their organisations and industries. But what sets them apart? What makes someone a game changer? In this blog, we will explore the characteristics and attributes that define a game changer in leadership.
1. Visionary Thinking
Game changers are visionaries. They possess the ability to see possibilities where others see obstacles. Their visionary thinking allows them to identify opportunities for growth and innovation that might be hidden to others. Visionaries like Elon Musk, who founded SpaceX with the goal of colonising Mars, exemplify this quality. Their ability to envision a future that is radically different from the present is a hallmark of game-changing leadership.
2. Fearless Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of what game changers do. They are not content with the status quo and are willing to take calculated risks to drive innovation. Think of Steve Jobs, who revolutionised the tech industry with the introduction of the iPhone. Game changers understand that innovation involves some level of risk, but they are not afraid to challenge the norm and disrupt industries with ground breaking ideas. After all there is no real reward without risk, right!
3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Game changers are no strangers to adversity. They understand that pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo often comes with resistance and setbacks. However, they possess a remarkable resilience that enables them to bounce back from failures and continue their pursuit of game-changing goals. My 4 years working with Para World and Paralympic champion Jonathan Broom-Edwards provides a super example of this. Having won silver medals at both, he then fully ruptured the Achilles tendon in his disability leg. Bouncing back from such a career threatening injury led to a journey of reflection and learning. The adversity and the resulting learnings proved the catalyst for a number of changes that made him and his team even stronger. As a result, both silver medals were turned into gold.
4. Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Excellence is a non-negotiable for game changers. They have a relentless pursuit of excellence in everything they do. This pursuit of excellence drives them to constantly improve and refine their ideas and strategies. We believe that this is achieved through ‘purposeful practise’. This is when, the way you choose to practise, has real meaning, relevance and impact on the end goal. If you want to achieve excellence in your performance, you need to ensure that your practise is both excellent and relentless.
5. Unwavering Commitment to Learning
Game changers are avid learners. They recognise that the world is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead, they must continuously acquire new knowledge and skills. Their commitment to learning keeps them adaptable and open to new ideas. Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of all time, is known for his voracious reading habit, which has contributed to his investment acumen.
6. Inspiring Leadership
Game changers are not solitary individuals; they are also exceptional leaders. They have the ability to inspire, enable and motivate those around them to share their vision and work towards game-changing goals. Leaders like Nelson Mandela, who led South Africa out of apartheid, exemplify the power of inspiring leadership.
7. Collaboration and Empathy
While game changers are often associated with bold individualism, they understand that building strong teams and fostering a culture of empathy is essential to achieving game-changing outcomes. My own experience has taught me, that despite the years of learning and developing my own knowledge and expertise, spending time collaborating with others ensures that I will have considered more options and possibilities than I would have on my own.
8. Commitment to Ethics and Integrity
Game changers uphold a strong moral compass. They are committed to ethical behaviour and integrity in their actions. They understand that their influence extends beyond their immediate achievements and that their legacy is shaped by their ethical choices. Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to independence through non-violent resistance, is an enduring example of ethical leadership.
9. Resonating with Values
Game changers often have a clear set of values that guide their decisions and actions. These values resonate not only with their personal beliefs but also with the values of their organisations and society at large. When values align, game changers can affect profound and positive change. The New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, consistently attribute their set of values as a key contributor to their long-term success. They are ‘Respect – Excellence – Humility’.
10. Creating a Legacy
Game changers are not content with short-term success; they aspire to create a lasting legacy. They understand that their impact should extend far into the future, influencing generations to come. Figures like Marie Curie, whose ground breaking work in radioactivity continues to shape the field of science, illustrate the enduring legacy of game changers.
In conclusion, game changers are a rare breed of leaders who possess visionary thinking, fearless innovation, resilience, a commitment to excellence, a thirst for learning, inspiring leadership, collaboration, ethical integrity, alignment with values, and the drive to create a lasting legacy. They are the individuals who redefine industries, challenge the norm, and leave an indelible mark on the world. Aspiring leaders can learn valuable lessons from the qualities that define game changers, with the aim of becoming catalysts for transformation in their own right.
Remember, the journey to becoming a game changer may not be easy, but it is a journey worth embarking on for those who seek to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the world of leadership and beyond. So, are you ready to be a game changer?
Author: Graham Ravenscroft, Game Changer and Co-Founder & Director of Beyond The Podium