Reading the various Facebook posts today about the recognition of the Class of 2015 brought together some thoughts I've been having about
early influences on my leadership style. The first influences were 18
years of examples by my parents of how to be a good person and treat
people correctly.
In late August of 1977 the 2nd step
of leadership training began. That first day was sensory overload where
we began learning how to be good followers. The biggest leadership
lesson of that day was the 3 answers: "Sir Yes Sir", "Sir No Sir", "Sir
No Excuse Sir". Particularly that last answer is one that is key to
being a good leader: Not giving excuses but rather taking
responsibility for issues and mistakes. 34 years later it still gets
used even when in some cases it should be used by someone else.
Responsibility is a big thing that is missing in so many companies
today.
Looking back over that year there were examples
of bad leadership, those we won't mention. There were also examples of
good, even great leadership. Our cadet company commander lead by
example. He was firm but fair. When we had PT runs or other activities
he participated. There was one particular time where the famous Mr.
Rampey would not allow a flat top haircut due to "regulations that
didn't allow blocked hair cuts". The CO stood up for the knob who
wanted it and even wrote a memo to the tac officer and Mr. Rampey
regarding the issue. He didn't have to do that and it didn't change Mr.
Rampey's decision but it taught that knob an important lesson:
Support your people. This company commander is now a Lt. General
and is the Commanding General of the NATO Training Command in
Afghanistan. I have heard from people with first hand knowledge that he
leads in the same way today: up front, with his people and pulling his
own weight.
Others of the cadre that year taught us
that being firm doesn't mean not being sadistic (though some of my
classmates might disagree). "Racking" (running in place, push-ups and
other things) was the method of discipline when there were minor
infractions. Normally this was done by the cadet sargents and
corporals. They were lead by the 1st Sgt, Asst 1Sgt and cadre platoon
leader. ALL 3 of these gentlemen took this activity seriously and as a
result most of the others did also. (as I mentioned at the top, there
were a few exceptions). After breakfast there were usually a collection
of us out on the 3rd division getting in some "rack" time. The cadre
who were overseeing the activity were physically present. They didn't
just start us up and then go in their room to get ready for class.
Lesson Learned: discipline when needed should be in person.
My
advice for the Class of 2015 as you end your recognition activity this
weekend: Take time to congratulate yourself on persevering though what
more than likely has been the toughest year of your life. Be proud of
that. For sure, those of us who came before you are proud of you.
Tomorrow take some time to reflect back on the good leadership you have
experienced and how that will help you. Also think about the bad
examples and resolve NOT to do those things.
Congratulations, Class of 2015
Saturday, April 14, 2012
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