Comments on: From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: 6 Key Traits for Military and Business Leadership Success

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 20:04:03 +0000

As a leader for a large insurance company and veteran of the Marine Corps, I have been asked many times what drives me as a leader. This list sets the example of my daily mantra. Thank you for your service.

By: Roger M. Maxson

Roger M. Maxson — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:06:00 +0000

A-Men Semper Fi
Box Doctor
rmaxson@aol.com

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:32:00 +0000

My experience as an officer in the merchant marines has taught me the same 6 lessons. Leading is not “pushing” others, it’s creating and imparting a vision to others in such a way that they not only follow, but support you by trying to get there ahead of you. The drunken sailor was asked why he was dragging a length of rope, to which he replied, “have you ever tried to push one of these?” The same applies to leadership, and not asking others to do something you would not do yourself also shows compassion (your #6) because it shows you actually care about their well-being.
Chain of command is currently being threatened by the notion that an egalitarian organization is more efficient. I do not agree. The chain of command provides clear paths of accountability and responsibility.
Perhaps one of the most relevant items you brought up is the notion of inherent risk. I have seen leaders and managers frozen by indecision resulting from a “no-risk” position. Better to make a decision knowing there is risk, than delay making a decision and missing an opportunity. The “no-risk” mentality often results from a “zero-defect” culture that punishes those who make mistakes…a culture that fails to realize that mistakes are learning points that prevent future errors and provide insights only obtained by trial and error, or trial and success.
Reagan once said that a good manager surrounds themselves with talent. Putting together a talented team is only possible if the leader is not threatened by the talent of others. Delegation facilitates the development of leaders through the honing of leadership and management skills. Talent, properly applied, is a force multiplier; knowing your team has the capability to effectively lead without your direct intervention allows multiple, simultaneous projects.
I could not agree more with your insightful analysis…well done.

By: Donna Schwartze

Donna Schwartze — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:43:00 +0000

Love, Brent. Good stuff. #1 and #4. One of my favorite quotes is, “Well done is better than well said.” So many leaders get lost in big picture philosophizing and extreme delegation that they forget the best way to lead is by doing. Yes. Get your hands dirty. And, my favorite boss ever was my favorite because he made decisions in a split second, and he got it right most of the time. I would add that great leaders deflect credit and give it to those around them. d

By: paul biester

paul biester — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:01:00 +0000

I really like these key points! They are succinct and true! !
Thanks for them!!
Thank you for your service to our republic!!