The conversation is about leadership during a recent interview. As I discussed leadership and my thoughts about being a leader and how kids today should be taught leadership, the interviewees took notes.
It was as if I was running the interview.
I’m very passionate about leadership because I was not good at leadership as a leader in the military and law enforcement.
Yet, I did have some good qualities as a leader.
I was good at building relationships and influencing people.
I was good at looking at other people’s perspectives. Having empathy!
I was good at looking at the big picture and telling my subordinate leaders the “Why.”
However, I struggled with balancing my mission’s accomplishment and my soldiers’ welfare.
Most leaders (whether you are a parent, coach, teacher, mentor, or leading yourself) struggle with accomplishing a task and taking care of the people they lead.
In other words, there may come a time when you may make a decision that gives the appearance that you have put the mission before the troops. However, you tried to mitigate any foreseeable unexpected consequences.
Essentially, leadership should be taught in schools.
There should be a curriculum on leadership.
I would start with “Taking responsibility.” It’s not your parent’s fault, your teacher’s fault, the government’s or society’s.
YOU are responsible for your problems, and You are responsible for the solutions to get those problems solved.
Next is relationship building, which requires helping others.
Imagine a school where students are encouraged to help other students. There is no reward, just practicing our ability to be of service to others.
Imagine that.
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