Maxxing (or maxing) is an internet slang suffix used to describe the often extreme, optimization, or maximization of a specific aspect of life. Originating in gaming and 2010s subcultures, it has become a mainstream TikTok trend, applying to self-improvement (looksmaxxing, sleepmaxxing) or to an ironic, totalizing focus on hobbies. – Merriam-Webster

A leadership coach and facilitator friend recently emailed me:

Every year in sports such as golf or tennis, there are rankings of players from number one down to maybe 1000 (or whatever). If I were to go watch number 1000 play tennis in my neighborhood, I would think, “Wow, that guy is really, really good!” And still, the difference between him and the top player is miles apart.
 
When you watch them together, you would likely notice some very stark differences, such as
Serve speed
Serve accuracy
Success in returning the shot
Positioning on the court after a return shot
Speed and quickness
Unforced errors
Stamina
And so forth
 
Given that as a backdrop … here is the question.  If leaders were rated from number one to number 1000, what would be those striking differentiators that you could easily see that would vastly separate number one from 1000? Number 1000 would still be very good, but number one would be incredibly (and measurably) better.

To be THE #1 Leader, they would need to be leadershipmaxxing!

Leadershipmaxxing would include doing and being the behaviors listed below 100% all the time. Doing some, and some of the time, would rank the leaders at #2 or lower.

Leadershipmaxxing ‘models the way’ in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Self-care is a priority. To be good for others, Leadershipmaxxing is good for themselves. They eat well, get good rest and sleep, and exercise regularly.
Mentally, always getting out of their comfort zone, learning, and seeking new experiences for personal growth.
Emotionally, always nurturing relationships and not avoiding hard conversations or conflict.
Spiritually, Leadershipmaxxing daily actions align with principled life-affirming core values, connecting to something greater than themselves, and cultivating compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness.

Leadershipmaxxing cherishes being trustworthy, rooted in sincerity, reliability, competence, and compassion. Trust is fragile and not to be taken for granted.

Sincerity. Leadershipmaxxing looks you straight in the eye, makes time, and wants to know the truth when asking, “How are you doing?”
Reliability. Leadershipmaxxing does not make promises they cannot keep. You can count on them.
Competency. It acknowledges their incompetencies and seeks help.
Leadershipmaxxing shows compassion for all people. Followers feel cared about and cared for.

Leadershipmaxxing is highly emotionally intelligent.

Leadershipmaxxing is self-aware of feelings and emotions and acknowledges imperfection. Striving for perfection is a trap. While perfection may appear to be an effort to strive for excellence, it is the cause of stress, anxiety, and procrastination.
Practice self-management. Leadershipmaxxing acknowledges and confronts their shadow. They are aware of the power of shame, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment. They recognize that they are worthy of love and respect despite their flaws, imperfections, and failures.
Leadershipmaxxing is good at cognitive, emotional, and compassionate empathy.
Leadershipmaxxing is highly relational and recognizes the need for creating nurturing, inclusive, healthy, equitable, and safe communities.

Leadershipmaxxing know their purpose.

Their ultimate mega purpose is to create a better world for tomorrow’s child, no matter gender, race, sexual orientation, ability/disability, or level of education.

Leadershipmaxxing holds itself to principled, life-enhancing core values.

Their unspoken principled core values are humility and vulnerability. They see these as strengths, not weaknesses.

Leadershipmaxxing is curious rather than judgmental.

They are interested rather than interesting. They spend more time asking rather than telling.

Leadershipmaxxing lives their eulogy rather than their resume.

They value significance over status and success, legacy over ego.

Leadershipmaxxing believes power expands when shared with others.

Power is used to serve others rather than to be served. The use of power in Leadershipmaxxing shows decency and respect for others.

Leadershipmaxxing have the courage to deal with the V.U.C.A.s – Volatility, Uncertainty, Chaos, Complexity, Confusion, and Ambiguity.

The V.U.C.A.s are catalysts for change, and they accept and lean into the challenge.
The V.U.C.A.s create better visions and strategic plans.
Persistence is the driving force in dealing with the V.U.C.A.s.

Leadershipmaxxing fail forward.

Shame and blame are non-existent reactions. Failures are learning opportunities. They will tell you they are where they are because of the great lessons learned from their failures.

Leadershipmaxxing mentor others and helps others grow their leadership.

Back to my friend’s email sports analogy related to leadership, I believe Leadershipmaxxing is like golf. Shooting par is good, shooting below par is great, but shooting a perfect round – a hole-in-one on every hole-is impossible even on a par 3 course! There is persistence in trying, and that is what Leadershipmaxxing does – persist.

Whom do you know who is leadershipmaxxing?