The main issue for most leaders, especially the younger team leaders in the military is that they are very cold, direct, unapproachable, and completely mission-focused. The leader lacks connection with the very people in their charge, which leads to scorched relationships, delays in accomplishing tasks, and even causes mission failure. This type of disconnect is also seen in business leaders, educators, and many other professions; whereas the leader is portraying an autocratic leadership style.
Consequently, the leader quickly realizes that they are accountable and responsible for the people in their charge, including (but not only) accomplishing the mission, but ultimately getting results. So, what’s the difference in accountability and responsibility? The responsibility is the ongoing duty to complete the task at hand; whereas, accountability means the leader is liable for the results. Basically, only one person (the leader) is accountable and has the potential consequences of not reaching the desired results.
On the one hand, being in a leader can feel lonely; on the other hand, there is a feeling of living in a fishbowl (feeling of being watched and observed continually).
The plan to overcome these challenges are nothing new; yet, they are very simple. The development of a leader does not happen overnight; nevertheless, there are steps military leaders, business leaders, educators, coaches, teachers, and even parents can do in order to be an effective leader.
In the military and most professions, leadership positions require a high level of attention to detail, motivation, and initiative; basically, good leaders should be able to accomplish the mission in the absence of orders. Moreover, influential leaders have a sense of duty, initiative, and communicate effectively while building relationships with their people.
Listening, Empathy, and Telling Stories.
- First and foremost, listening, empathy, and the ability to tell stories are some of the basic keys to success for any leader. It’s always good to concentrate on the basics!
- Learning how to be empathetic teaches a person to become warm and approachable. There are three components of empathy: perspective taking, emotional understanding, and caring. In essence, looking at others’ viewpoints, stepping into their shoes, and having genuine concern for their health and welfare. The leader gains an appreciation of what they are feeling and how things look through their eyes.
- Then, the next challenge is to become a better listener and not be so quick to give an opinion and feedback. In chaotic situations, getting the right resources to the scene of an incident requires listening and receiving the correct information to save lives, property, and the environment. In most professions, leaders are required to respond to numerous critical incidents that require the evaluation of facts and details, verifying the importance of what is being said, gauging people’s emotions and feelings – ultimately under strict time constraints.
Some of the best leaders can tell stories, which is one of the greatest strengths in communications, essentially, capturing the audience with a clear vision and expectations. The stories leaders tell can be used as a tool to spark subordinates into action, communicate the organization’s mission and vision, transmit values, share knowledge, and lead into the future. The storytelling gives people examples, can encourage action in people, and leads others to share their experiences. Nevertheless, when the organization is faced with adversity, the leader has to use whatever means available to rally everyone for a common cause.
The military defines leadership as the process of influencing others by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission. Yet, to become an effective leader with the skills to influence and inspire others takes time, seeking self-improvement, consistently learning, and encouraging and motivating others. It cannot be learned in a day, a week, a month, or even a year; essentially, it requires a lifetime of knowledge to include leadership and professional development seminars, books, education, training, and mentors. Nevertheless, once you have arrived as an effective leader, humble yourself, and keep practicing and learning.
What is one quality you admire most in leaders you respect? Let me know in the comments below.
