It Worked for Me

1. Take Responsibility and Own Your Actions

"After thirty days, you own the sheets."

Personal Accountability Matters. Taking responsibility is about accepting ownership of both successes and failures. In the military and leadership, this means understanding that once you're in charge, you're accountable for everything that happens under your watch.

Responsibility is a Choice. Leaders don't make excuses or blame others. They acknowledge mistakes, learn from them, and take immediate steps to correct course. This approach builds trust and demonstrates integrity.

Practical Applications:

• Accept responsibility for team performance
• Analyze failures without finding scapegoats
• Focus on solutions rather than blame
• Communicate transparently about challenges
• Learn and grow from every experience

2. Trust and Respect Are the Foundations of Leadership

"Always show more kindness than seems necessary, because the person receiving it needs it more than you will ever know."

Mutual Respect Drives Performance. Leadership is not about authority, but about creating an environment of trust where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to give their best.

Building Trust Takes Intentional Effort. Trust is earned through consistent actions, open communication, and demonstrating genuine care for your team's well-being and development.

Trust-Building Strategies:

• Listen actively and empathetically
• Give credit generously
• Be consistent in words and actions
• Show vulnerability
• Invest in your team's personal and professional growth

3. Solve Problems Proactively and Never Walk Past a Mistake

"Problems have to be solved, not managed."

Proactive Problem-Solving. Great leaders don't wait for problems to escalate. They address issues immediately, directly, and with a focus on finding constructive solutions.

Attention to Detail Matters. Small mistakes, if left unchecked, can grow into significant challenges. Addressing issues promptly prevents larger systemic problems from developing.

Problem-Solving Approach:

• Identify issues early
• Gather comprehensive information
• Involve those closest to the problem
• Make decisive actions
• Follow up and ensure resolution

4. Develop Leaders by Understanding Their Potential

"Potential is not just about performance."

Leadership Development is Holistic. Recognizing leadership potential goes beyond current performance. It involves understanding an individual's character, adaptability, and capacity for growth.

Nurture Emerging Talent. Effective leaders invest time in mentoring, providing opportunities, and creating environments where potential leaders can discover and develop their strengths.

Leadership Potential Indicators:

• Intellectual curiosity
• Moral courage
• Adaptability
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to work collaboratively

5. Maintain High Standards and Never Compromise Integrity

"If you can't do the job with high standards, you don't belong doing the job."

Excellence is Non-Negotiable. High standards are not about perfection, but about consistently striving to improve and maintain ethical, professional conduct.

Integrity Defines Leadership. Your reputation is built on consistently doing the right thing, even when it's difficult or unpopular.

Maintaining Standards:

• Set clear expectations
• Lead by example
• Hold yourself and others accountable
• Create a culture of continuous improvement
• Never compromise ethical principles

6. Communicate Clearly and Be Accessible

"I'm a people/phone junkie. I like to remain enormously accessible."

Open Communication Builds Trust. Leaders must create environments where information flows freely, and team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.

Accessibility Demonstrates Commitment. Being approachable and responsive shows your team that you value their input and are committed to their success.

Communication Strategies:

• Hold regular, concise meetings
• Maintain open-door policies
• Use multiple communication channels
• Listen more than you speak
• Provide clear, timely feedback

7. Adaptability and Continuous Learning Are Critical

"Leaders have an obligation to constantly examine their organization."

Embrace Change and Learning. In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to adapt, learn, and unlearn is more important than technical expertise.

Continuous Improvement is a Mindset. Leaders must create cultures that encourage experimentation, learning from failures, and constant personal and organizational development.

Learning Approaches:

• Stay curious
• Seek diverse perspectives
• Invest in ongoing education
• Challenge existing assumptions
• Encourage innovation

8. Build a Culture of Mutual Accountability

"One Team, One Fight."

Collective Success Matters. High-performing organizations create environments where everyone understands their role in achieving collective goals.

Alignment Creates Momentum. When team members are unified in purpose and mutually accountable, they can overcome significant challenges.

Accountability Principles:

• Clarify shared objectives
• Encourage cross-functional collaboration
• Recognize and reward team achievements
• Create transparent performance metrics
• Foster a sense of shared mission

9. Always Prepare for Unexpected Consequences

"If you break it, you own it."

Strategic Thinking Requires Foresight. Leaders must consider not just immediate actions, but potential long-term implications and unintended consequences.

Plan for Multiple Scenarios. Effective leadership involves preparing for various potential outcomes and being ready to adapt quickly.

Preparation Strategies:

• Conduct thorough scenario planning
• Maintain flexible strategies
• Build resilient systems
• Encourage critical thinking
• Learn from historical precedents

10. Serve Others and Stay True to Your Purpose

"We serve where we are needed and career progression be damned."

Leadership is About Service. True leadership transcends personal ambition and is fundamentally about serving others and contributing to a greater purpose.

Purpose Drives Motivation. When leaders and organizations are driven by a meaningful purpose, they can inspire extraordinary commitment and performance.

Service-Oriented Leadership:

• Prioritize organizational goals
• Develop others
• Remain mission-focused
• Practice selfless leadership
• Create meaningful impact

Last updated: January 23, 2025