While training the United States Marine Corps, the battalion leaders often take their men on very dangerous, almost frighteningly difficult practice missions. The group often says, “you say you are our leader, but you are just punishing us and being cruel.”
Remember, the leader is right there with them on these missions. For those who can surmount the challenge, they go to war. While in battle, the troops from the battalion stay alive and accomplish many difficult missions, while others are dying and failing at their missions.
The group then says to their leader, what you put us through back home was worth it, because we are more courageous, better prepared, a more cohesive team, and selfless. This example shows us that leaders are not suppose to be popular, they are meant to prepare those they lead for what is to come, no matter how unpopular the preparation may be.
A man who desires the best for HIMSELF before his team, cannot expect to endure the adversity of true leadership. A man who expects to lead while being self- centered will only crumble under the weight of his own desired popularity and high pressure situations.
A TRUE LEADER HAS THE CHARACTER TO KNOW WHAT’S RIGHT, THE COURAGE TO STAND FIRM EVEN IF WHAT IS RIGHT IS NOT “COOL”, AND THE COMPETENCE TO EXECUTE THE PLAN.
FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP
√ LEADERS MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT A REAL LEADER IS
√ LEADERS MUST HAVE A SOUND SENSE OF SELF- AWARENESS
√ LEADERS MUST HAVE IN-DEPTH RELATIONSHIPS
√ LEADERS MUST PRAISE IN PUBLIC AND REPRIMAND IN PRIVATE
√ LEADERS MUST HAVE THE COURAGE TO TAKE STANDS
√ LEADERS MUST BE WILLING TO BE VULNERABLE
