Stake Your Claim: Why Waiting Isn’t Leadership

A note to young leaders.

If you’re ready, don’t wait for permission to stake your claim.

In 1985, an unknown designer named Tommy Hilfiger made his debut with a bold billboard towering over Seventh Avenue in New York City. It read:

“The 4 great American designers for men are: RL, PE, CK and TH.”

Most people recognised the first three: Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis and Calvin Klein.

But the fourth?

Overnight, the burning question in town was: “Who the hell is T_ _ _ _ H _ _ _ _ _ _ _?”

Within days, Tommy Hilfiger was invited onto every major talk show. His name was suddenly everywhere.

Millions of dollars of free publicity followed – all because Hilfiger had done the hard work and was prepared to stake his claim.

What bold claim are you prepared to make about yourself and your company?

And if you’re not, why not?

It’s not a brag, if you can back it up.