I recently read a book about Four Star Generals and Admirals. At the end of the book was an article about comments given to a group of new Brigadier Generals. It was given as part of a two-day training session at the Pentagon to brief these new Generals on their new promotion. Unofficially it was called as the "Charm School." The presenter was General Louis L. Wilson, Jr. a graduate of West Point a former Air Force Inspector General and a Commander in Chief Pacific Air Forces.
This General looked at the canned speech that was normally given and decided to change it. He went over thoughts, of his success and failure, as a leader over the years. He felt there was a real need for guidance for these new Commanders. Therefore, he presented the following:
The Ten Points of Leadership
1. Be Tough - Set your standards high and encourage your people to meet them. Tell them what your standards and expectations are.
2. Get Out From Behind Your Desk - In the modern day vernacular we call it "Management by Wondering Around." Go see what's happening for yourself. Your people will see you are interested in their problems and welfare.
3. Find the Critical Path to Success - Prioritize your activities, don't waste time on trivial matters. Become personally involved, don't leave things to chance.
4. Be Sensitive - Listen to your people. Be perceptive and communicate often. Empathize with your people. Ask for input, seek ideas. Be innovative and creative.
5. Don't Take Things for Granted - Keep on top of things. Don't assume anything. If something needs to be fix - do it, don't procrastinate - do it and then monitor it.
6. Search out the Problems - "If you think there are no problems in your organization, you are ignorant." Search out the problems, find them. Foster an environment that encourages open, clear communications. If you shun problems they will get bigger.
7. Don't Alibi - Just take care of the problem, fix it. We know that people make mistakes. So don't be defensive when things go wrong. Nothing is worst than when someone who has an alibi for everything that goes wrong.
8. Don't Procrastinate - The problem only gets worst if you procrastinate. Therefore, address the problems when they arise. Don't put off hard decisions - make them. It won't really be easier tomorrow. Just do it.
9. Don't Tolerate Incompetence - People who are lazy and/or disinterested should be replaced. You need people to get the job done. Have the courage to terminate their assignment. Use positive motivation - encourage people when they are doing good work, recognize their efforts. Then they will do even better.
10. Be Honest - Integrity is one of the most important aspects to someone's character. People won't trust you if you're dishonest. Tell it like it is - be up front with people. Create an atmosphere of trust and confidence. Be an example for your people.
To Sum Up: Your task is to be the leader. It requires hard work, enthusiasm, and sensitivity to what's going on. Establish your expectations, be involved, and listen. Remember integrity and honesty is basic to everything. Practice these ten points for success as a leader.
Reference:
- Charles T. Jones and R. Manning Ancell, Four-Star Leadership for Leaders, Executive Books, Mechanicsburg, P.A., 1997.
