Ten Leadership Tips

By Alex Threadgill

1. Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance (7 Ps) 

2. Assumption is the mother and father of all screw ups 

3. Never ask someone to do something you are not willing to do yourself 

4. order + counter order = disorder 

5. When things go wrong, go strictly by the book 

6. Don't be afraid to ask - even if you have to ask someone junior in rank 

7. Losing your temper means you've lost the argument 

8. Never try to be popular - you have to earn respect 

9. Something or someone at arm's length is a lot easier to see 

10. Never show your favourites

Of course, there are plenty more. But obeying these ten will be a good start for you. They are not in any particular order, although if I had to choose just one, it would be the first. You will need to assess the importance of each depending on the job and the environment in which you find yourself.

If you are in a disciplined environment (eg Armed Forces, Police, Fire etc) you will have the benefit of a clear rank structure on your side. But you must never try to hide behind your rank. You should speak to a person of junior rank with the same courtesy and respect you would one of senior rank. If you do this, your juniors will soon start giving you useful advice. It is not always necessary to heed it. They might have their own agenda; or they might not have access to the same facts as you; or they may just be plain wrong. But you should always listen to it.

The quickest way to cause resentment and discord among your unit is to try to bully or intimidate, no matter how good you are at the rest of your job. Moreover, you will cause unnecessary stress among your team if you adopt this method.

Whatever level of command, you will quickly discover the importance you attach to the welfare of your unit will be appreciated far more than you would imagine. You can mix socially with your team, but don't make a habit of it. And never, never get drunk in front of them. Many do and then regret it.

While I made these tips thinking of a disciplined life, they translate directly into civilian life. I hope they will be of use to you.