Leadership

Leadership 

I love learning about leadership. In no way do I consider myself an expert but it's absolutely one of those things you can always get better at. Leadership can also be hard to explain. People seem to be in two distinct categories people are either good leaders or bad leaders. Along with that some people seem to be born good leaders. I agree you can be born with it but you also can make yourself a better leader through hard work. 

These are not new ideas, theses are universal truths that have been around for a long time. I learned a lot about leadership in the Army and in business and often people think all good Military leaders yell and bark out orders and soldiers blindly follow orders like robots. This couldn't be further from the truth. The best leaders aren't the ones that yell and scream while ruling through fear and position.

 Even if you're not in a leadership position knowing how to a good leader will make you a better team member. Just as to be a good leader you must be a good follower. Here are some things I think make good leaders and things that good leaders should do.

1)Be consistent, the easiest way to do this is by being yourself. Don't lead like someone else. If you're putting on a act you can't be consistent. 

2)Ask questions, if you don't know ask. BS-ing your way through a problem or question is easy to spot especially by your team. This is a easy way to lose respect. 

3)Be loud but calm. You don't need to raise your voice to lead but being able to get peoples attention when you need it is valuable. Don't get to excited or up in arms about situations be calm especially in stressful situations. Your team will reflect your mood. If you're calm they will be calm if you're upset or depressed they will be the same. 

4)No excuses, take responsibilities of your actions. 

5)Let your people know the "why" they are doing what they are doing. Keeping your team informed will help them to see the big picture and their piece in the mission. While helping to keep your team motivated. 

6)Set the example, by doing the right thing even when you think no one is looking. Do what I say not what I do doesn't work as a leadership style. Leaders should set the example for others to follow.

7)Be decisive yet flexible. When it's time to make a decision, make that decision confidently and follow your plan. Be flexible enough to change the plan if the environment you are in changes.

8)Be in good physical shape. This doesn't mean you need to be the fittest person in your company or office but people respect someone that is in shape. Some one in good physical condition carries themselves with confidence.  

9)Keep learning, don't ever stop learning. Every business or area of work is always evolving and changing. You can only keep up with changing times by continuing to learn.

10)Be humble, check your ego. You need to have an open mind to be a good leader and you need to take ideas and guidance from others.

11) Groom subordinates to replace you. Don't hide your knowledge share it with team.

12) Build positive relationships with superiors and subordinates. Being at odds with co-workers only hurts the company and your team.

13) Be the first to do tough tasks and last in line for comforts. In the Army leaders always eat last and are first to do the jobs that are tough.

14) Put any praise that you receive on your team and accept all the blame or failures on yourself. If your team wins you win. If your team fails it was your fault for not giving them the tools or knowledge to succeed. Even if it's not your fault. Pushing the blame on someone else erodes trust and respect of your team.

Let me know if I'm missing any ideas or if there are any others ideas that you like. Here's some of my favorite books about Leadership where I formed my list from.

Once an Eagle - Anton Meyer

No Excuse Leadership: Lesson from the US Army's Elite Rangers - Brace Barber

Extreme Ownership - Jocko Willink and Leif Babin