Leadership Series

Part 1 – An Overview of 11 Leadership Principles

Leadership.  Many words have been written and spoken on the topic of leadership, but in my opinion very few people get it.  Leadership is typically seen as someone’s ability to influence, to just get things done, or to manipulate people into doing something they don’t really want to do.  These are typically modern, bumper sticker views of leadership.  And if you can put your complete thoughts on a bumper sticker, then you need to think more deeply. 

I have had a passion for leadership ever since I was a kid, but it was at the United States Military Academy at West Point where I learned what leadership really was.  The military has a way of teaching that molds you, shapes you, and grows you, or boots you out.  It was at West Point where the foundation was laid, and it was in combat and in other dangerous and stressful endeavors that the structure was built and the foundation proved sturdy.  It has been my distinct privilege and honor to serve and lead others in situations ranging from life-threatening combat and government work to office work, but what I learned has been applicable to every experience and situation I have encountered.  

Over the next several weeks, I am going to attempt to lead us on a journey to becoming better leaders by looking at the 11 Principles of Leadership as taught by the military and many professional organizations.  I will supplement these with Scripture verses as appropriate. These principles are:

1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement.

2. Be technically and tactically proficient.

3. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.

4. Know your people and look out for their welfare.

5. Keep your people informed.

6. Set the example.

7. Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.

8. Make sound and timely decisions.

9. Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.

10. Train your people as a team.

11. Employ your team in accordance with its capabilities.

Notice what these principles are, and what they are not.  They are not about influence, manipulation, getting things done all the time, or making yourself look good.  Many of these require intense self-examination, and all of them require hard work on the leader’s part.  They are all active verbs that demand the leader engage with themselves and their people. Think about these, and next week we’ll dive into principle #1.