Maverick Leadership: Eight Qualities of Exceptional Leadership

In today’s world, being an average leader isn’t likely to take you far. You will fall into the most common pitfalls that leaders commonly experience. So, you might ask, what exactly is Maverick leadership? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a Maverick is “an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party.”

They are solo thinkers and are not easily swayed by common methodologies, questioning whether the status quo is correct or if there are more effective ways to do things. When you add that to leadership, a Maverick leader leads in a non-traditional, unconventional manner, often challenging the status quo and standard ways of doing things. Here are some critical characteristics of Maverick leaders:

In today’s world, being an average leader isn’t likely to take you far. You will fall into the most common pitfalls that leaders commonly experience. So, you might ask, what exactly is Maverick leadership? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a Maverick is “an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party.”

They are solo thinkers and are not easily swayed by common methodologies, questioning whether the status quo is correct or if there are more effective ways to do things. When you add that to leadership, a Maverick leader leads in a non-traditional, unconventional manner, often challenging the status quo and standard ways of doing things. Here are some critical characteristics of Maverick leaders:

1. Innovative and Creative: They think outside the box and develop unique solutions to problems. Their approach is characterized by creativity and originality, allowing them to sidestep common leadership challenges such as group resistance to change or conformity. Additionally, Maverick leaders often navigate challenges such as bureaucratic red tape, lack of resources or support, and resistance from established hierarchies. By leveraging their innovative mindset, they can overcome these obstacles and drive meaningful change within their organizations.

2. Risk-Takers: Mavericks are not afraid to take risks and often make bold decisions that others might shy away from, as they are willing to take calculated risks. They are eager to step into the unknown and try new methods or ideas, knowing that those who are great in life are willing to think outside the box. As T.S. Eliot said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

3. Independent Thinkers: Maverick leaders value their independence and are often driven by their beliefs and ideas rather than following the crowd. They have a strong sense of self and trust in their judgment. Maverick leaders avoid the common pitfall of group thinking, which is the tendency for individuals to conform to group norms and adopt the group’s opinions or decisions, often without critical evaluation. Research by social psychologist Irving Janis has shown that groupthink can lead to flawed decision-making and hinder creativity and innovation within organizations. Maverick leaders recognize the importance of independent thought and actively encourage diverse perspectives within their teams to foster creativity and critical thinking. By avoiding groupthink, they can better make informed decisions and drive positive change within their organizations.

4. Challengers of the Status Quo: They do not accept things as they are and constantly look for ways to improve and innovate. Maverick leaders are often seen as disruptors in their fields. In my current niche of mental wellness, burnout, and leadership, it’s common to find individuals saying the same thing. However, a fresh perspective is critical. This is because the challenges in these areas are complex and multifaceted, requiring innovative solutions that may not be readily apparent from traditional approaches. For example, Brené Brown challenged conventional notions of leadership by emphasizing the importance of authenticity and empathy through her research on vulnerability and shame. Similarly, Elon Musk disrupted the automotive industry with Tesla’s electric vehicles, challenging the status quo of traditional combustion engines. These leaders dared to challenge prevailing norms, driving transformative change in their respective fields by refusing to accept things as they were and instead striving for progress and innovation.

5. Visionary: They have a clear and compelling vision of what they want to achieve and can inspire others to share. Their forward-thinking nature helps them anticipate future trends and opportunities. For instance, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, envisioned an online marketplace to revolutionize retail, leveraging emerging internet technologies to create a customer-centric shopping experience. His foresight and innovative thinking transformed Amazon into a global e-commerce giant and paved the way for the digital retail landscape we see today.

6. Charismatic and Influential: Maverick leaders often have strong personalities and can be very persuasive, which can be used for good or evil, as shown by history’s tyrannical leaders. A Maverick leader’s passion and enthusiasm are contagious, making it easy for them to garner support for their ideas and make waves of change.

7. Resilient and Persistent: Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity, challenges, or setbacks and to adapt positively in the face of stress or hardship. In leadership, resilience is essential because it enables maverick leaders to withstand the inevitable obstacles and setbacks. Rather than being deterred by adversity, resilient leaders use setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, remaining focused on their goals despite challenges. This ability to persevere through difficult times strengthens their resolve and inspires confidence and trust in their teams.

8. Nonconformist: Maverick leaders often defy conventional wisdom and are unafraid to challenge norms or break rules to pursue their goals. This nonconformity frequently leads to groundbreaking changes and innovations. For instance, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, revolutionized the technology industry by introducing products like the iPhone and iPad, which defied conventional norms and reshaped how people interact with technology. Another example is Malala Yousafzai, who defied cultural expectations by advocating for girls’ education in Pakistan despite facing severe opposition and risking her life for her cause. These leaders’ willingness to challenge the status quo and break societal norms led to significant field advancements. It inspired others to question existing paradigms and strive for positive change.

We need to take an audit of our leadership skills regularly. Self-assessment helps identify areas for improvement and ensure that one remains effective and adaptive.

Here are three quick steps you can take:

1. Reflect on Your Leadership Style: Set aside time to reflect on your recent leadership experiences, successes, and challenges. Ask yourself: What leadership strategies have worked well for me? In what areas do I need to improve? What feedback have I received from colleagues or team members?

2. Seek Feedback: Seek input from trusted peers, mentors, or team members regarding your leadership style and performance. Constructive feedback from others can offer valuable insights and perspectives that may not be apparent through self-reflection alone.

3. Continuous Learning: Invest in learning and development through books, courses, and mentorship. There are many great resources out there. I recommend Stephen R. Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Simon Sinek’s Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action.

In conclusion, Maverick leadership encompasses a set of qualities that challenge the norm and drive progress. As we navigate the complexities of leadership, let us not shy away from embracing our inner Mavericks. Let us strive to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and encourage them in others. In doing so, we unlock the potential to revolutionize industries, spark innovation, and shape a brighter future for future generations.

1. Innovative and Creative: They think outside the box and develop unique solutions to problems. Their approach is characterized by creativity and originality, allowing them to sidestep common leadership challenges such as group resistance to change or conformity. Additionally, Maverick leaders often navigate challenges such as bureaucratic red tape, lack of resources or support, and resistance from established hierarchies. By leveraging their innovative mindset, they can overcome these obstacles and drive meaningful change within their organizations.

2. Risk-Takers: Mavericks are not afraid to take risks and often make bold decisions that others might shy away from, as they are willing to take calculated risks. They are eager to step into the unknown and try new methods or ideas, knowing that those who are great in life are willing to think outside the box. As T.S. Eliot said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

3. Independent Thinkers: Maverick leaders value their independence and are often driven by their beliefs and ideas rather than following the crowd. They have a strong sense of self and trust in their judgment. Maverick leaders avoid the common pitfall of group thinking, which is the tendency for individuals to conform to group norms and adopt the group’s opinions or decisions, often without critical evaluation. Research by social psychologist Irving Janis has shown that groupthink can lead to flawed decision-making and hinder creativity and innovation within organizations. Maverick leaders recognize the importance of independent thought and actively encourage diverse perspectives within their teams to foster creativity and critical thinking. By avoiding groupthink, they can better make informed decisions and drive positive change within their organizations.

4. Challengers of the Status Quo: They do not accept things as they are and constantly look for ways to improve and innovate. Maverick leaders are often seen as disruptors in their fields. In my current niche of mental wellness, burnout, and leadership, it’s common to find individuals saying the same thing. However, a fresh perspective is critical. This is because the challenges in these areas are complex and multifaceted, requiring innovative solutions that may not be readily apparent from traditional approaches. For example, Brené Brown challenged conventional notions of leadership by emphasizing the importance of authenticity and empathy through her research on vulnerability and shame. Similarly, Elon Musk disrupted the automotive industry with Tesla’s electric vehicles, challenging the status quo of traditional combustion engines. These leaders dared to challenge prevailing norms, driving transformative change in their respective fields by refusing to accept things as they were and instead striving for progress and innovation.

5. Visionary: They have a clear and compelling vision of what they want to achieve and can inspire others to share. Their forward-thinking nature helps them anticipate future trends and opportunities. For instance, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, envisioned an online marketplace to revolutionize retail, leveraging emerging internet technologies to create a customer-centric shopping experience. His foresight and innovative thinking transformed Amazon into a global e-commerce giant and paved the way for the digital retail landscape we see today.

6. Charismatic and Influential: Maverick leaders often have strong personalities and can be very persuasive, which can be used for good or evil, as shown by history’s tyrannical leaders. A Maverick leader’s passion and enthusiasm are contagious, making it easy for them to garner support for their ideas and make waves of change.

7. Resilient and Persistent: Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity, challenges, or setbacks and to adapt positively in the face of stress or hardship. In leadership, resilience is essential because it enables maverick leaders to withstand the inevitable obstacles and setbacks. Rather than being deterred by adversity, resilient leaders use setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, remaining focused on their goals despite challenges. This ability to persevere through difficult times strengthens their resolve and inspires confidence and trust in their teams.

8. Nonconformist: Maverick leaders often defy conventional wisdom and are unafraid to challenge norms or break rules to pursue their goals. This nonconformity frequently leads to groundbreaking changes and innovations. For instance, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, revolutionized the technology industry by introducing products like the iPhone and iPad, which defied conventional norms and reshaped how people interact with technology. Another example is Malala Yousafzai, who defied cultural expectations by advocating for girls’ education in Pakistan despite facing severe opposition and risking her life for her cause. These leaders’ willingness to challenge the status quo and break societal norms led to significant field advancements. It inspired others to question existing paradigms and strive for positive change.

We need to take an audit of our leadership skills regularly. Self-assessment helps identify areas for improvement and ensure that one remains effective and adaptive.

Here are three quick steps you can take:

1. Reflect on Your Leadership Style: Set aside time to reflect on your recent leadership experiences, successes, and challenges. Ask yourself: What leadership strategies have worked well for me? In what areas do I need to improve? What feedback have I received from colleagues or team members?

2. Seek Feedback: Seek input from trusted peers, mentors, or team members regarding your leadership style and performance. Constructive feedback from others can offer valuable insights and perspectives that may not be apparent through self-reflection alone.

3. Continuous Learning: Invest in learning and development through books, courses, and mentorship. There are many great resources out there. I recommend Stephen R. Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Simon Sinek’s Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action.

In conclusion, Maverick leadership encompasses a set of qualities that challenge the norm and drive progress. As we navigate the complexities of leadership, let us not shy away from embracing our inner Mavericks. Let us strive to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and encourage them in others. In doing so, we unlock the potential to revolutionize industries, spark innovation, and shape a brighter future for future generations.