This Leadership Model was developed during my first company command and revised when I was a battalion commander - it established and developed leadership teams in peace and war.

 

• Take Care of the team

• Integrity is a Must

• Leadership is 24 Hours a Day

• Knowledge is Power

• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

• Accomplish the Mission

• Have Fun!

​

Taking care of the team is the core of this philosophy and it covers a wide range of areas, but with one focus - team development. Developmental action planning is the most effective means to promote team/manager development. Team members must be counseled and coached with the overall focus used to rate managers. Taking care of team members means that they are properly trained, and that they: know, understand and maintain standards. Ensure those that don’t meet the standard are: informed, given time and additional training and a chance to meet the standard. What we do as leaders impacts our employees, but also the family and significant others they go home to each day…you play a part in having a positive impact in all of their lives. Put simply:

​

• Train them to do their job; and then yours

• Communicate to them - where they are, and where they should be

• Ensure they maintain their equipment

• Challenge them to meet and exceed standards - reward them if

they do

 

Integrity is a must. There is nothing in our everyday lives that is worth compromising our integrity. Often times people lie to try and avoid giving bad news. Leaders must take bad news well, but ask that they: tell the whole story, and how We will fix it. When you lose your integrity you lose the trust and respect of your peers and subordinates - regaining either is a long uphill climb.

 

Leadership is about inspiring those entrusted to our care. This requires solving problems, earning and maintaining trust, sharing a clear vision, and accountability. Leaders must make tough decisions, remain calm under pressure, and empower their teams to achieve more than they might expect. Leadership is 24 hours a day. If you’re a leader, you are a standard bearer at the job in public. 

 

Knowledge is power is just a statement of fact. Every leader must strive to be the technical and operational expert - without this, how can they excel? Once you have the knowledge, it is critical that they pass it on to your team.

 

Communication is critical to all that an organization is able to do - whether it is: internal to the team, coordination between departments, counseling of team members, speaking to customers, or just allowing the expression of good ideas or areas to improve. Most problems in the organization can be avoided by effective communication. Whether it is verbal or written - communicate effectively; remaining calm and setting an example for others to follow.

 

Accomplish the Mission - we must always strive for excellence - meeting and exceeding the standards we set for ourselves and the organization (Safety, Quality, Performance, Customer Satisfaction, etc.).                   

 

Last but not least, have fun. Creating an environment where excellence can be achieved and maintained is hard work. As leaders, following this model will make your organization a more effective, efficient and profitable - which will leave more time for family and personal pursuits.

 

Every boss has the following expectations or something similar for their organization:

​

• Know the boss - intent, priorities and focus

• Take responsibility for your actions/and your team

• Everyone is treated with respect

• Provide too much information versus not enough; keep them informed

• Treat every customer like they are our only customer 

• Never compromise safety or quality