Let Your Freak Flag Fly

Herb Kelleher, Founder of Southwest Airlines Co.Every now and again, we need to let our freak flag fly. We have to let go and unfurl our inner passion and not worry so much about what other people think of us. It is healthy and freeing to boldly ripple in the wind. Our freak flags do not need to be audacious or outrageous; they just need to be uniquely ours.  Freak flags come in an endless array of colors and designs.

Executive leaders often have concerns about flying their freak flags. Most successful executives are composed, professionally-minded individuals who are conscious of their public image. They understand the importance of keeping themselves in check. They think before acting. They regulate their emotions and measure their words. They are adept at observing and adapting to social cues.

Leaders need followers; and sometimes feel that they must take the middle road to appeal to their diverse constituents. They believe that it is unwise to get too far “out there” on any extreme. This makes some sense. Leaders who lack self-control can be scary and unpredictable. Leaders without social awareness can be reckless and dangerous. Scary, unpredictable, reckless and dangerous people are not particularly good at influencing others. This is why leaders try so hard to stay in control, maintain good form and keep in good graces. It helps them inspire confidence and reinforces their credibility. President Obama is very good at this. Most people would agree that he has exceptionally strong executive and presidential presence, at least publically.

Let’s face it though; too much self-control, polish and image management can be boring. I like Barrack Obama, but frankly, I found George W. Bush to be far more interesting. He let his freak flag fly by just being himself. (Granted, he wasn’t always conscious of what he was doing or the effect he was having.) We like our leaders to be smart but we also like them to have a little spark and spunk.  

Perhaps more than ever before, we are looking for leaders who are not only competent, but genuine. Genuineness is a major upgrade to the down home “folksiness” demonstrated by GW and other leaders. Genuine leaders allow themselves to be known. They are transparent about what they value and believe. This allows people to relate to them without the filtering and controlling influences of power, position and image.

We also are looking for leaders who demonstrate something more than personal charisma. We have been disappointed too often by flash without substance. A strong passion for leadership, properly channeled, is much more attractive and enduring than charisma. The distinctiveness of leadership passion is important to understand. In everyday use, “passion” is usually defined as a powerful or compelling emotion, feeling or desire. This seems far too weak and shallow. Emotions, feelings and desires are typically seen in spurts and tend to fluctuate with the situation and the personality of the person. The type of passion I am talking about today is something much more than that.

A real passion, like the passion for leadership, is deep. It reaches our core. It is not always loud or flamboyant; but it is always powerful. This type of passion is personal, honest and noble. It is an internal drive to make contribution and have a meaningful impact using one’s mind, hands and heart. I would even argue that, in its purest form, real passion is something that touches the soul.

We often associate strong passion with great artists and highly successful athletes but it exists within everyone. It is critical that it is demonstrated by leaders. The trouble is that many leaders, especially politicians and high-profile executives, are afraid to demonstrate their true passion. They are too preoccupied with maintaining control and not making enemies. Demonstrated passion makes a leader stand out, increasing the size of the bullseye on their backs. Leaders who are deeply passionate make difficult decisions and stand up for their values. They take firm positions and do not equivocate on the things that matter most to them.

The passion for leadership is hidden until discovered. It remains dormant until woken up. And, it is unknown to others until unfurled and flown proudly. We need to raise-up and call out more passionate leaders. Those who are successful will be the ones who learn to be themselves and do not waste excessive time and energy on posturing, positioning, spin doctoring, image control and photo ops. They will unashamedly express their passion for leadership and enable their confidence in who they are and what they stand for to outweigh their fears about public opinion. They will let their freak flags fly.