Monday, June 25, 2012

Lessons in Leadership from the Military

Are you a risk taker?

Are you a leader?

Can you be one without the other?

Today I read a great article on this topic - I highly recommend you read it too. Generally, society recognizes that when the chips are down, soldiers in the military shoulder an amazing responsibility to stand on the front lines of our country and our freedom. They have, are, and will take risks that most of us will never fully appreciate. But what we can grasp is some insight from their example on how to realize success by facing inherent risk.

Col. Eric G. Kail suggests that there are some lessons from military life that can be carried over to any profession; he outlines them as follows:
First, not everyone is prepared to lead in risky environments. Second, as leaders who are assessing risks, we need to have skin in the game; otherwise we are only pretending to lead. Third, character matters just as much as any knowledge or skills acquired from training and education. 

Drapeau du Canada à la Citadelle de Québec
Flickr photo by abdallah

I couldn't agree more. In my line of work I engage with business owners and teams that are striving to set the standard of excellence in their industry. These are amazing people who are prepared to take risks, who have their hearts set on success, and who have characters that are not only beyond reproach, but set a standard for others to aspire to. They are truly great leaders.

I am grateful every day for the men and women who selflessly built the nation in which I live, and for the those who continue to lead. I will proudly celebrate the national holiday that pays tribute to the greatness of our country - built by the greatness of our people.