Do you have the 5 traits of extra-mile leaders?

“There are no shortcuts on the extra mile.” – Zig Ziglar 

 

Bob Kuechenberg, the former Miami Dolphins great, once explained what motivated him to go to college.

 

“My father and uncle were human cannonballs in carnivals. My father told me, ‘Go to college or be a cannonball.’ Then one day, my uncle came out of the cannon, missed the net, and hit the Ferris wheel. I decided to go to college.”

 

The way you tap into your motivation as a leader may not be as drastic for you as it was for Bob Kuechenberg, but tapping into it is necessary nonetheless. Going the extra mile as a leader is what will set you apart from the rest of the pack and will take you farther than you could have without it.

 

So what traits do extra-mile leaders possess? Here is a sampling of a few that I believe are essential. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it is a good place to start.

 

EXTRA-MILE LEADERS ARE PROACTIVE

Extra-mile leaders take the initiative in getting things done. They prefer to tackle issues head-on rather than assume a reactionary posture. Extra-mile leaders are out front on understanding the culture of their organization and the needs of the people they serve. They don’t wait to be told or asked; they see what needs to be done, and they do it.

 

EXTRA-MILE LEADERS HAVE CONTAGIOUS ENTHUSIASM

What sets extra-mile leaders apart from mediocre leaders is a passion and enthusiasm for what they do. Their attitudes are positive, and their temperament is even-handed. An extra-mile leader in your organization with enthusiasm and passion will be the benchmark for the rest of your team. Without extra-mile leaders, your work will be challenging, but with them, your team can see extraordinary results. Extra-mile leaders bring out the best in those they serve.

 

EXTRA-MILE LEADERS PUT THE TEAM FIRST

Extra-mile leaders, by and large, are selfless in that their motivation and their proactive ways are done with the intent of benefiting the team. Yes, there can be exceptions when what motivates an individual is selfish in nature. But by and large, extra-mile leaders have a broad understanding of the mission and vision of the organization, and their extra-mile sacrifices are for the benefit of the group. Of course, it pays dividends in the long run, just like all hard work and effort do, but it’s not the prime motivation. Extra-mile leaders put their colleagues first.

 

EXTRA-MILE LEADERS EXUDE EXCELLENCE

Extra-mile leaders are not satisfied with the status quo, nor do they settle for what is merely acceptable. Extra-mile leaders have a compelling desire to be the best personally and professionally. At times, it can be misinterpreted by those without the extra-mile mentality as self-serving, grandstanding, or posturing. Still, at their core, the extra-mile leader cares deeply and truly wants to advance the team in the right direction.

 

EXTRA-MILE LEADERS HAVE PURPOSE

Extra-mile leaders have not only tapped into their passion but have also taken it a step further in discovering their purpose. Extra-mile leaders intuitively understand that it’s not about what they do that defines them or motivates them to go the extra mile. Extra-mile leaders are those who have embraced the blessing and gift of their Creator and have committed themselves to live their lives in such a way that honors it.

 

Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said, “There is nothing with which every man is so afraid as getting to know how enormously much he is capable of doing and becoming.”

 

What you are capable of becoming as an extra-mile leader is realized when you worry less about what you do and care more for the life you have to live and how you can serve others. When you do, the results will speak for themselves.

 

Are you an extra-mile leader?

 

Doug Dickerson speaks and trains on leadership. Learn more at dougdickerson.net or email him at dougdickersonleadership@gmail.com. ©2025 Doug Dickerson