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What Makes A Good Leader? Ask Uncle Sam |
What do the major generals who are leading the war efforts in
Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs who are
conducting business back home? When it comes to leadership, the
answer is probably a lot more than you think.
In a recent study conducted by the Army War College,
subordinates of the major generals who are leading the war
efforts in Iraq were asked to rate the performance of their
superiors.
The survey revealed that the best leaders:
* Keep cool under pressure
* Clearly explains the missions, sets standards and priorities
* See the big picture; provides context and perspective
* Make tough, sound decisions on time
* Adapt quickly to new situations; can handle bad news
* Give useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone
* Are positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic
According to retired Gen. Walter Ulmer, coauthor of the study,
"The study showed that even when tactical and technical
competences are excellent, interpersonal skills are critical."
What's that? People skills are critical in fighting a war?
General Patton must be spinning in his four-star grave.
According to Ulmer the survey revealed that it is easier to
teach technical skills than to teach people how to gain trust
and build teams. In other words, trained tacticians are
important, but the worth of a true leader may best be measured
by how he leads, motivates, and treats his troops.
The study further showed that many key behaviors these generals
exhibit were learned by example. Their former superiors
displayed people skills and whether intended or not, taught
those skills to their subordinates. This means that good
leaders produced good leaders. I'm sure the flipside is just as
true. Bad leaders often produce the next generation of bad
leaders. We see it in business everyday. The recent rash of
corporate scandals didn't just involve the bad guys at the top.
They often involved subordinate executives who were following
the leader's example and carrying out his not-so honorable
plans.
Not surprisingly, the same traits found in the generals leading
the effort in Iraq are the same traits found in many successful
executives and entrepreneurs.
Keeps cool under pressure
Contrary to what many believe, being an entrepreneur is not
always a walk in the park. There is constant pressure coming
from many fronts. Pressure to make a sale, to meet payroll, to
keep the doors open, to keep the employees in line, and on and
on. The best entrepreneurs learn to thrive under pressure.
Pressure becomes a motivator, not a detractor.
Clearly explains missions, sets the standards and priorities
Successful entrepreneurs understand that the organization runs
smoother, better, faster if everyone is on the same page. A
good leader makes sure his subordinates understand the mission
at hand. He makes sure that everyone understands the
expectations, goals and objectives. He shares his vision and
lays out the plan of attack.
Sees the big picture; provides context and perspective
Many executives and entrepreneurs can not see beyond the edge
of their desk. Great leaders not only see the big picture, they
make sure their team sees it, as well. They share their vision
and perspective for the long haul, not just the battle being
waged today.
Makes tough, sound decisions on time
One trait of the successful entrepreneur is the ability to make
decisions soundly and quickly. You must weigh your options and
choose a direction with minimal consideration time.
Procrastination has no place in battle or in business.
Procrastinating entrepreneurs will quickly become someone
else's procrastinating employees.
Adapts quickly to new situations; can handle bad news
In business some days are diamonds and some days are coal.
Successful entrepreneurs are prepared to deal with the day no
matter what it brings. They do not stick their heads in the
sand and wait for the bad news to go away.
Gives useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone
A good leader listens more than he speaks. He takes input from
the team and makes decisions based on that input and his own
expertise. He sets the example that he expects his team to
follow.
Is positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic
A good leader never lets his team see him sweat. He does not
broadcast his negativity because he knows negativity is
contagious and will spread faster than the plague. A good
leader encourages his team to perform no matter the odds. He is
the positive force that keeps everyone motivated to win.
Every entrepreneur should take a lesson from these generals, as
should every corporate executive. I'm sure it would cut down on
the time many of them are now spending in the stockade.
Here's to your success!
Tim Knox
Tim serves as the president and CEO of three
successful technology companies and is the founder of
DropshipWholesale.net, an online organization dedicated to the
success of online and eBay entrepreneurs. Related Links:
http://www.prosperityandprofits.com
http://www.smallbusinessqa.com http://www.dropshipwholesale.net
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