Key Characteristics of In Extremis Leaders-and How They Are Relevant in All Organizations

The key characteristics that in extremis leaders display are common among many types of good leaders. For example, competence, trust, and loyalty are leadership imperatives that span a variety of contexts. Nevertheless, when it comes to matters of life and death, leadership assumes a recognizable form: the in extremis pattern. This chapter explores this pattern and describes the key traits that comprise it, drawing on interviews with parachutists, SWAT teams, soldiers (both American and Iraqi), firefighters, and even a tiger hunter. We’ll take a look at what they have to say about what constitutes great leadership in high-risk situations, which often has important implications for leadership in any situation.

Getting Started: Ranking In Extremis Leadership Competencies

In Extremis Leaders Are Inherently Motivated

In Extremis Leaders Embrace Continuous Learning

In Extremis Leaders Share Risk with Their Followers

In Extremis Leaders Have a Common Lifestyle with Their Followers: There’s No Elitism

In Extremis Leaders Have and Inspire High Competence, Trust, and Loyalty

Competence Is Critical in High-Risk Environments

High-Risk Situations Demand Mutual Trust Between Leaders and Followers

Dangerous Work Demands Mutual Loyalty Between Leaders and the Team

Final Thoughts: Consider Your Own Leadership Competence

Summing Up