What sort of definition of leadership do you get when you meld the perspective of a 65-year-old traditional CEO with those of his son, a 36-year-old entrepreneur who is a student of Zen? The 100 Mile Walk recounts the authors’ treks over mountains and along beaches, up and down city streets and county roads, and sets out their newfound knowledge in the form of nice points on which every leader (and aspiring leader) must focus:

People. Have the self-esteem to hire people as smart as or smarter than you are who will not only respond to your pushing, but will also push back. view checklist

Purpose. Clearly define your vision for your people, and shape all decisions around that objective. view checklist

Passion. Do the job like it’s never been done before. view checklist

Performance. In a culture of incessant “multi-tasking”, remember the importance of focus and flawless execution – one A+ outcome at a time. view checklist

Persistence. Success means “no” is only for today; fight for a “yes” tomorrow. It takes total conviction that It Can Be Done. view checklist

Perspective. Check out the internal environment daily. When someone needs a pat on the back, give it. The payback is immeasurable. view checklist

Paranoia. Assume your competitors are gunning for you, the elder Flaum advises. Do whatever is necessary to keep your competitive edge. Conversely, says the son, you can escape the grip of paranoia by accepting competition as a natural outcome of capitalism, to be approached creatively, not combatively. view checklist

Principles. “The real work of leadership,” credibility and ethics must be drivers of your everyday actions. If they are only vague statements unrelated to your “real work”, you are not a real leader. Do the right thing all the time, not just when it’s convenient, and people will flock to you. view checklist

Practice. Real leaders continuously work at their craft, and they love to practice just as artists, athletes, and musicians do. Practice the nine Ps daily, and live your principles, until what you do is what you are!