A Reflection on Leadership

Dear subscribers,

Another week has passed. Our military remains ready to fight and win the nation’s wars. We cannot know what tomorrow will bring, however our service members stand ready to meet any task presented to them.

Over the course of the week I reflected on what kind of leader I want to be. Presence, communication, and empathy come to mind as qualities that I want to embody.

Presence is the mere act of being with your troops. I want to be a leader who is seen. I have heard at times leaders in the military say “I have done my time” as a way to get out of things they do not want to do. This is not a thought process I subscribe to. You have never “made it” in the military. If the troops are digging a trench, you better be in the mud with them.

Effective communication has plagued military forces since recorded history. Communication from the team and squad level all the way to the national level is vital in order for us to fight. Effective communication requires subordinates to try and meet their leaders at their communication style, but likewise is requires leaders to know and understand their subordinates and to meet them where they are. When both seek to better understand each other, we have a team that can issue and execute orders violently.

Finally, empathy is likely the most important quality that a leader can have. This is of course my opinion, however regardless of the level of importance, it is inarguably vital. Subordinate troops that feel their leaders display empathy are far more likely to execute orders and act on initiative. They know their leader has their own best interest in mind, and sought to ensure their wellbeing alongside the needs of the mission.

“Lead with empathy and to the standard, and you will never lead wrong.”

As a thank you for being a member of this newsletter please use code “MFD93” at checkout when purchasing anything from MandatoryFunDay (themandatoryfunday.com)

Please follow me on my other platforms. It is the easiest way to support me as a creator.