Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Leadership

       Leadership Tips by experts


What Makes A Good Leader? Ask Uncle Sam


What do the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs who are conducting business back home? When it comes to leadership, the answer is probably a lot more than you think.

In a recent study conducted by the Army War College, subordinates of the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq were asked to rate the performance of their superiors.

The survey revealed that the best leaders:

  • Keep cool under pressure
  • Clearly explains the missions, sets standards and priorities
  • See the big picture; provides context and perspective
  • Make tough, sound decisions on time
  • Adapt quickly to new situations; can handle bad news
  • Give useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone
  • Are positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic

According to retired Gen. Walter Ulmer, coauthor of the study, "The study showed that even when tactical and technical competences are excellent, interpersonal skills are critical."

What's that? People skills are critical in fighting a war? General Patton must be spinning in his four-star grave.

According to Ulmer the survey revealed that it is easier to teach technical skills than to teach people how to gain trust and build teams. In other words, trained tacticians are important, but the worth of a true leader may best be measured by how he leads, motivates, and treats his troops.

The study further showed that many key behaviors these generals exhibit were learned by example. Their former superiors displayed people skills and whether intended or not, taught those skills to their subordinates. This means that good leaders produced good leaders. I'm sure the flipside is just as true. Bad leaders often produce the next generation of bad leaders. We see it in business everyday. The recent rash of corporate scandals didn't just involve the bad guys at the top. They often involved subordinate executives who were following the leader's example and carrying out his not-so honorable plans.

Not surprisingly, the same traits found in the generals leading the effort in Iraq are the same traits found in many successful executives and entrepreneurs.

Keeps cool under pressure
Contrary to what many believe, being an entrepreneur is not always a walk in the park. There is constant pressure coming from many fronts. Pressure to make a sale, to meet payroll, to keep the doors open, to keep the employees in line, and on and on. The best entrepreneurs learn to thrive under pressure. Pressure becomes a motivator, not a detractor.

Clearly explains missions, sets the standards and priorities
Successful entrepreneurs understand that the organization runs smoother, better, faster if everyone is on the same page. A good leader makes sure his subordinates understand the mission at hand. He makes sure that everyone understands the expectations, goals and objectives. He shares his vision and lays out the plan of attack.

Sees the big picture; provides context and perspective
Many executives and entrepreneurs can not see beyond the edge of their desk. Great leaders not only see the big picture, they make sure their team sees it, as well. They share their vision and perspective for the long haul, not just the battle being waged today.

Makes tough, sound decisions on time
One trait of the successful entrepreneur is the ability to make decisions soundly and quickly. You must weigh your options and choose a direction with minimal consideration time. Procrastination has no place in battle or in business. Procrastinating entrepreneurs will quickly become someone else's procrastinating employees.

Adapts quickly to new situations; can handle bad news
In business some days are diamonds and some days are coal. Successful entrepreneurs are prepared to deal with the day no matter what it brings. They do not stick their heads in the sand and wait for the bad news to go away.

Gives useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone
A good leader listens more than he speaks. He takes input from the team and makes decisions based on that input and his own expertise. He sets the example that he expects his team to follow.

Is positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic
A good leader never lets his team see him sweat. He does not broadcast his negativity because he knows negativity is contagious and will spread faster than the plague. A good leader encourages his team to perform no matter the odds. He is the positive force that keeps everyone motivated to win.

Every entrepreneur should take a lesson from these generals, as should every corporate executive. I'm sure it would cut down on the time many of them are now spending in the stockade.

Here's to your success!

Tim Knox

Tim serves as the president and CEO of three successful technology companies and is the founder of DropshipWholesale.net, an online organization dedicated to the success of online and eBay entrepreneurs.

Related Links:
http://www.prosperityandprofits.com
http://www.smallbusinessqa.com
http://www.dropshipwholesale.net


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Leadership here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Leadership

 

Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief Loss, Happiness, Humor, Inspirational, Motivation,
Positive Attitude
, Meditation, Spirituality Goal Setting, Leadership Public Speaking Time ManagementWealth Building, Ethics, Stress Management
Yoga, Alternative Health, Build Muscle, Exercise,   Aerobics Cardio, Fitness Equipment Pregnancy  Dating, Elder Care, RelationshipAcneBeauty, Hair Loss
Cooking Tips, Recipes,Top Tips for everything Crafts Hobbies, Creativity, Fishing Photography, Pets,


Latest info on : Leadership

 


Mid Columbia Tri City Herald

Bellotti news conference on 'leadership' of Ducks sports
ESPN (blog)
... will hold a news conference Friday at 11:30 am PDT "to make an important announcement about leadership at the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. ...
Canzano: With Mike Bellotti gone, we'll learn more about Chip KellyOregonLive.com

all 213 news articles »


The San Francisco Appeal

SF police shake up crime-lab leadership
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon addresses the press on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, about an SFPD lab technician that has been arrested on suspicion of ...
Reshuffling at SF crime lab amid drug probeSan Jose Mercury News

all 66 news articles »


ABC News

As Time Grows Short, the Search for Ayes Narrows to a Dozen or So Lawmakers
New York Times
WASHINGTON — The Democratic search for health care votes dwindled to a dozen or so lawmakers Friday as the House leadership and the White ...
Deem and pass, health care, and the failure of leadershipThe Moderate Voice
Does the Democratic leadership know where health reform stands?Washington Post (blog)
House Leadership to Senate: Prove ItDaily Kos (blog)
CNSNews.com -Washington Examiner (blog) -The Hill (blog)
all 10,762 news articles »


San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

Perez's leadership team, committee assignments have something for most
San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
California Assembly Speaker John Pérez announced his committee assignments and leadership team this week, elevating a few Bay Area politicos and throwing ...

and more »



Keep US Leadership In Space
Aviation Week
Ake Fagrell says, “The US will be giving up its leadership in space.” Tom Moser says, “. . . NASA budget proposal puts the US leadership in space at risk. ...

and more »


EXCLUSIVE: Cantor Accuses House Dem Leadership of "malfeasant manner"
FOXNews (blog)
In the resolution, Cantor says that the “Democratic leadership has willfully abused its power to chart a legislative course for the Senate health care bill ...

and more »


Ward campaign: 'Idaho Republicans are ready for new leadership'
The Spokesman Review
“Idaho Republicans are ready for new leadership, the kind of fiscally conservative, common-sense approach that Vaughn Ward will bring to Congress,” said ...

and more »


ChicagoBears.com

Thayer: New Bears will provide quality veteran leadership
ChicagoBears.com
One of the most desirable attributes you need on a championship team is veteran leadership, and I think all three of those players are going to be good ...

and more »


Ag DG's Retirement Creates Leadership Vacuum in BPE
THISDAY
The compulsory retirement last Thursday of the acting director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Ms. Bolanle Onagoruwa, has led to a leadership ...

and more »

Google News

 

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert Zone > Leadership Tips


| Leadership Tips Home | Leadership Tips - Complete list 

| Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert Zone  |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved