In this generation of online reference material that can instantly answer the most probing questions, we still are unable to provide timely leadership advice or guidance through any quick medium. It's a skill that requires years of experience and nurturing; there simply is not an app that you can download onto your smartphone. As in literature, sometimes you can't go wrong with the classics. On my office desk I have something unique that guides me in times of turmoil while making me laugh at the same time. The handbook I have is something I bought in an antique store in Virginia titled Commander's Check List; Leadership published in December 1950 in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Written 64 years ago now, this soldier's pocket guide contains great wisdom that is still applicable today. So after six decades why do we continue to fail in what should be the most basic of topics? Let's go to the guide and see what they did in 1950 that we can use today.
Although the title of this guide is Commander's Checklist, it was clearly developed for all levels of the organization (army) and speaks to leadership practices from the infantryman right up to the general officer. Leadership is a consistent, fair application of a set of agreed-to standards on how to achieve a specific goal. So why do we employ different levels of leadership or have different standard operating procedures (SOPs) dependent on the rank or position of the person or group? This is an error that organizations continue to make when developing people. If you are intending to develop your leaders you're not going to send them to a training module called subordinate leadership workshop, are you? If you have any delineation before the title of leadership workshop, then refer to the guide and remove them immediately. All levels means just that.
In previous columns, I have talked about the importance of followership as it pertains to leadership. An exemplary follower that executes objectives, keeping the context, vision and direction relevant is exactly what leaders are looking for. Going to the guide, it states: "Take inventory of yourself – answer fully to your conscience, am I worthy to lead my men?" This is a great question to ask yourself every day before you begin your shift, rotation or work week. We are only as great as the team that we lead, so be prepared to inspire, motivate and ask for greatness. This can be achieved only if you are setting the standard based on this one simple question.
I purposely left this topic as the final piece of advice from the guide. It is clearly the most important from a military context and something that they do particularly well. It is all about tradition. It is also the first chapter after the introduction, which is where it should be placed within your company mission or value statement. The guide tells us: "build up the team = key to esprit de corps." How your team functions daily usually reflects on your leadership. Is the morale good on your team? Do they embrace esprit de corps and look the part? These are important questions that you should be asking yourself and analyzing. Instil esprit de corps in your team by not only demonstrating it but also by ensuring that they are aware of your expectations. Whether it is consistent order of dress or daily deportment rules, it is important that your team knows and embraces the direction. If you have a tangible breakdown in either area, then generally both will suffer. If you lose these, it is extremely difficult to recover and in fact, may take decades to reverse.
I've covered only a few select topics/chapters that I felt were relevant and topical in 2014. The guide is full of wonderful nuggets of advice, and I often re-read it. It is my go-to reference guide and far less laborious than most textbooks on the subject. If you do not possess something similar, get one. Don't be a statistic because you failed to evolve from 1950. The United States Army can't be wrong in this subject, so apply these simple ideas to inspire and motivate your people and you'll have already succeeded. Who knew there were no atheists on the front lines?
Lead every day and lead well.
