Traits of a maverick? Being Influential is the third attribute we will look at. There are 6 traits or attributes of a maverick, which is best remembered by the acronym WHINES™. (If you want to browse some information on Mavericks – take a look at our sister site: maverickparadox.com).
Here is a short video that briefly highlights the attributes of a maverick:
We’ve looked at the Wilful Intention and Honest Belief. If you want a reminder of the first two articles, click below.
Traits of a Maverick? Being Influential … Here’s an excerpt from The Maverick Paradox: The Secret Power Behind Successful Leaders …
“I is for influential
Without trying all mavericks are influential.
Mavericks are natural influencers and people tend to look to them for cues as to what to think or how to behave. Therefore, if they are acting unusually, or there is a surprising change in their character, then a lot of energy will be expended to discover or ponder why. It’s a survival instinct, they know that an unhappy maverick can cause a lot of disruption to the company or the people in it.
How much will be dependent on the type of maverick and their maturity levels. This concern (for the maverick’s happiness), when it’s a Socialised Maverick acting out of character, quickly morphs into fear if it’s an Extreme Maverick acting differently. This is because Socialised Mavericks do their best not to harm others. Extreme Mavericks have no compunction in punishing others for displeasing them.
Mavericks need to be aware that just by being themselves, without any intention or forethought, they will influence others. Whether they are unusually exuberant or sad! This can be a terrible burden at times and most Socialised Mavericks will tire of the unspoken responsibility at some point and will need to find an activity that they can truly relax into, before they pick up the yoke again. This ability to unintentionally influence, will never seem like a burden to the Extreme Maverick, as he doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions or non-action. Every man for himself is his motto.
Traits of a Maverick? Being Influential
I wrote the above in 2016 for publication in 2017. It strikes me at just how much of the attributes that I highlight in my book, have been played out on the world stage. For example, there have been two Maverick Presidents of the United States, demonstrating maverick behaviour for us all to see. America is not the only country with Maverick leaders, New Zealand and the UK can also join the ranks of having leaders on the Maverick Continuum.
Over the last few years, we have seen exactly how these world leaders have used their natural ability to influence. The last few months and weeks, especially, we have seen whether they behave like Socialised Mavericks working for the greater good or as Extreme Mavericks, motivated by self interest.
The consequences of their chosen behaviour is writ large for all to see. Those which have demonstrated toxic behaviour in the past – choosing to appeal the populist view rather than using their talents to unite their country, are seen to be struggling as the world is changing. This may be due, partly, to Covid-19 requiring an approach that unifies and works for the greater good. Extreme Mavericks would find it difficult to pivot in this direction. Preferring to fight (especially with denial and procrastination) for their self interest, they need a very strong compelling reason to change their behaviour and pivot to doing what’s objectively right.
All mavericks are influential – how they use this influence is dependent on their Maverick Personality and what society, ultimately allows …
The Maverick Paradox: The Secret Power Behind Successful Leaders
For more information on the key attributes or traits of a maverick then take a look at my book; The Maverick Paradox: The Secret Power Behind Successful Leaders.
