Here is a wonderful example of unconventional and exceptional leadership by Mayor Tom Brown of McPherson, Kansas. (I write about McPherson and Mayor Brown in the book.)
In January 2010, the city was gifted the local golf course. Many thought it a mixed blessing as the golf course had never been profitable. But it was an opportunity for the city and Mayor Brown challenged the staff by saying that if the golf course turned a profit, he would jump in the lake on the first hole. For the first time ever, the golf course turned a profit in 2010 and as you can see here, the Mayor is a man of his word!
This gesture not only created news all over the city and region, it was a simple little “love note” to the community. This small gesture has had an outsized impact on McPherson and is something that people will remember and smile about for a long time.