This amazing photo is of a female Common Brown Lemur in Madagascar leading the Lemur troop while carrying her baby on her back and making a harrowing leap from one towering cliffside to another in search of food.
Let’s talk about leadership—the real kind, the kind where you’re standing on the edge, not quite sure what happens next, and you jump anyway. It’s a bit like being the first person to taste questionable leftovers: someone has to go first, and everyone else watches to see if you survive.
Like the intrepid lemur taking a flying leap with a baby hanging on, true leaders are the ones who DO, not just talk. They inspire those around them to move forward, even if the path isn’t clear (or if there’s a suspiciously squeaky floorboard). Here are some great stories—from business, science, the arts, and everyday life—about leaders who took that all-important first jump.
Business and Innovation: Bold Moves that Changed the World
Steve Jobs and the iPhone Launch
Back in 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone—something totally new that even folks at Apple weren’t sure about. He believed in his idea so much that he risked Apple’s reputation and resources. And look at us now—our lives revolve around smartphones. That leap was all about daring to dream big.
Science and Exploration: Stepping Into the Unknown
Neil Armstrong and the Moon Landing
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon. Sure, the whole thing could’ve ended badly—nobody knew for sure. But Armstrong and his crew still went, not just for themselves, but for all of us. His “giant leap for mankind” showed what’s possible when you’re willing to go beyond what you know.
Cultural and Creative Risks: Daring to Be Different
J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter
Before she was famous, J.K. Rowling was broke and kept getting rejected by publishers. But she kept trying, believing in her story. Finally, Harry Potter got picked up—and the rest is history. Sometimes, you just have to keep leaping, even if all you’ve got is a bit of hope.
Everyday Leadership Leaps
Leaps of faith aren’t just for famous people. Every day, regular folks step up and take risks:
· The Teacher Who Changes Everything: Imagine a teacher who’s not afraid to shake things up—maybe by switching to project-based learning or using new tech. It might not work, but trying can spark excitement in students and other teachers.
· The Nurse Who Speaks Up: Think of a nurse pushing for better safety rules. It might not be popular, but it can save lives—and that’s worth it.
What Makes a Leap of Faith in Leadership?
It’s not about being reckless. It’s about having the guts to act, guided by your values and vision—even if you’re not certain what’ll happen next. Here’s what it usually takes:
- Stepping into the unknown with confidence
- Trusting your instincts and experience
- Accepting risk to move things forward
- Leading by example
- Knowing the outcome’s not guaranteed, but still acting
Practical Guidance: How to Take a Leap of Faith
How, then, does one make such a leap? While there is no formula, certain practices can help:
- Clarify your intentions: Know why you are considering the leap. Is it running from discomfort, or running towards purpose?
- Assess your fears: Write them down. Often, naming fear reduces its power.
- Gather courage incrementally: Small acts of bravery build the muscle needed for larger leaps.
- Seek counsel: Talk to those who have leapt before you. Their stories can illuminate the path ahead.
- Trust yourself: Remember the times you have survived uncertainty before; you are stronger than you know.
- Accept that uncertainty is part of growth: Discomfort is not an enemy, but a guidepost.
What leap of faith do you need to make? Only you can answer.
Listen to the quiet urging within—the dream deferred, the change feared, the hope that will not be silenced. The future belongs to those willing to jump, even when the landing is uncertain. For in each leap, there is the possibility of flight.
Just like the bold lemur who jumps with her baby, leaders of all kinds have the chance to show courage, vision, and trust. Every leap of faith—whether big or small—reminds everyone else that moving forward is possible, even when you can’t see the landing. And when one person leaps, it often inspires a whole group to take the jump, too.Click here to read a related post: How to Stretch Outside of Your Comfort Zone (Where the magic happens) 5 min read
Think bold, act bold!
Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT
Take the Next Step...
Interested
in learning how to develop your organization's leadership capability,
culture, and employee engagement? We begin with a collaborative
discovery process identifying your unique needs and business issues. To
request an interview with Peter Mclees please
contact: Email: petercmclees@gmail.com or Mobile: 323-854-1713
Smart
Development has an exceptional track record helping service providers,
ports, sales teams, restaurants, stores, distribution centers, food
production facilities, wealth management services, third-party maintenance providers, real estate services,
nonprofits, government agencies and other businesses create a strong
culture, leadership bench strength, coaching skills and the teamwork
necessary for growth.
Having worked with several companies
throughout their growth cycle, we have valuable insights and strategies
that would help any late stage startup, small or medium sized company
achieve sustained growth and prosperity.