What does it mean to be a High Agency Leader?

This morning I saw an article in Business Insider called “Silicon Valley’s Hot New Buzzword: High Agency.” I wasn’t familiar with the term, so I decided to do some research. I came across an article called “20 Characteristics of High Agency Men” by Brett and Kate Mckay (Clearly these same characteristics would apply to everyone, not just men).

On a side note… as I was searching for a relevant photo for this article, I noticed that most stock photos related to ‘leadership’ had some image representing one person out ahead of the pack, or on top of everyone else. I think this is the wrong way to think about leadership. That’s why I chose this image specifically, because it implies that the leader is one of the cogs in the middle of all the other cogs that helps them all work together in synchronicity (can’t help think of The Police when I use that word).

Here is the list of the 20 characteristics mentioned in the article I referenced above:

1. They are never satisfied with their level of development; they always want to exceed what was previously done.
2. They avoid comfortable situations. They do things they may not like because they understand the importance of doing them.
3. They have pressing goals. They not only feel they SHOULD do something, but they are driven by their own will that they HAVE to do it.
4. They never blame others. They solve problems. Any task is a challenge to be overcome.
5. They like and encourage taking risks. However, they take these risks judiciously and in moderation—never recklessly or without calculation. They evaluate and proceed with tact and without fear.
6. They have VISION; they can foresee in their minds the outcomes before embarking on the execution of the proposed plan.
7. They are not slaves to work. However, if they need to accomplish something, they will work 24 hours a day if necessary.
8. They handle pressures well. They recognize that no one is interested in whether they are nervous or pressured. They know that only they decide what to do with their lives. They need the tension of demand but trust in their decision-making capacity.
9. They are objective. They are not selfish. They let others receive recognition for an achievement when it is deserved.
10. They understand the nature of energy. They know that if they apply enough energetic force, they will be capable of moving anything.
11. They know the meaning of nurturing. They build and nurture others, always leaving things better than they found them.
12. They understand sociability. They enjoy others but do not depend on them, stepping away from friends and fun if there are more important or higher-priority tasks to handle.
13. They use and understand self-discipline. They do not let habits, desires, and faults control them because they have developed the ability to control themselves.
14. They have COURAGE. They are not reluctant because others do not dare to do something. They make decisions and do not hesitate (I personally love this one).
15. They have confidence in themselves. They do not doubt or waver. Their confidence is nourished by action and deeds.
16. They understand the importance of living in the present. They do not live on the laurels of yesterday nor with the aspirations of tomorrow; they aim for the best in the present.
17. They do not worry about past mistakes and never base today’s decisions on yesterday’s errors. They expect and live for the success of the present.
18. They recognize that experiences come individually and not in groups. When they receive training, they apply the lessons to themselves and do not hide behind or dwell on the mistakes of others.
19. They are quick to forgive, forget, and move forward from where they are. They know how to forgive their own faults.
20. They understand the importance of empathy; they are capable of interpreting the feelings of others, developing this quality to the fullest.

When I reflect on these 20 characteristics and think about how they apply to me, its fascinating to think back on moments in my career when I hadn’t yet learned the lessons that make me who I am today. I also of course wonder what lessons lie ahead that will help me to realize my full potential. There are at least 4 things on this list that I need to actively work on improving. How do you measure up as a high agency leader?