The Principles of Military Leadership [Day 3]

Today, let’s consider some input from General Colin Powell, as well as the classic list of Armed Forces Leadership Principles that most of us grew up with. There are clear overlaps, like “Set an example” and “Know your people and look out for their welfare.” But, how can we update and refine those principles to give leaders a more accurate picture what is necessary in today’s military? I welcome your thoughts and suggestions!

What Becoming a Parent Taught Me About Leadership (pt. 2)

In yesterday’s post, I revealed a few of the ways in which I thought becoming a parent would change me. I anticipated the obvious, like that a new baby would transform my daily routine and thrust me out of my comfort zone, and that I would instantly become a persistent example of right and wrong to this little being. I predicted that having a child would also influence how I interact with Soldiers and perform as a leader. Turns out, I was only scratching the surface of lessons that parenthood can teach a leader.

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The 1177th MCT redeploys after nine months in Afghanistan. Photo by: US Army Public Images

What Becoming a Parent Taught Me About Leadership (pt. 1)

Almost 3 years ago, I captured some thoughts about how I thought becoming a parent would change me. Of course I knew it would be a “crucible”…a test or trial that causes defining and lasting change…but how would it alter who I was as a military leader? Would I view my role differently? Would I react to deployment orders with less stoicism when I have little ones to leave behind? Would I treat Soldiers differently?

10th Sustainment Soldiers redeploy to Fort Drum. Photo by: US Army Images

10th Sustainment Soldiers redeploy to Fort Drum. Photo by: US Army Images

I was sure to get these answers (and plenty more) with the birth of our two daughters. Below are excerpts from what I predicted I’d learn as a new father. In the next post, I’ll elaborate on the myriad of other ways in which having children has changed me as a leader.

“Start by Making Your Bed” – Speech by ADM McRaven to the University of Texas

As the commander of US Special Operations Command, Admiral William McRaven has led some of the most complex and decisive missions ever conducted by the US Military, but in this speech to the University of Texas graduating class of 2014, he relays the simple lessons that leaders should never forget.

Excerpts:

“If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.”

“If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.”

“If you want to change the world get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.”

“You will fail. You will likely fail often. It will be painful. It will be discouraging. At times it will test you to your very core.”

If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moment.”

Published on The University of Texas’ Official Publication, The Alalde, by Tim Taliaferro.

HTTP://ALCALDE.TEXASEXES.ORG/2014/05/MCRAVEN-TO-GRADS-TO-CHANGE-THE-WORLD-START-BY-MAKING-YOUR-BED/

Video: TED Talk – The Impact of Leadership

“As long as we make leadership bigger than us, as long as we keep leadership beyond us, as long as we make it about changing the world…we give ourselves an excuse not to expect it everyday from ourselves and from each other.”
Drew Dudley

“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate…our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light and not our darkness, that frightens us.”
Mary Ann Williamson

In the majority of the time that military units aren’t specifically training to win wars, we spend our time trying to make the unit and its people better. We do this through organizational policies and decisions…and we do it by personally influencing people.

This short TED video reminds us that our influence and our impact on others is deeper than we realize…or give ourselves credit for. All leadership boils down to making people better, and the nature of our profession gives military leaders significant power to do that.