Leadership Principles Pt. 1
What does it mean to Know Yourself and Seek Improvement?
Evaluate yourself by using the leadership traits and determine your strengths and weaknesses.
What does it mean to Ensure that a Task is Understood, Supervised, and Accomplished?
Leaders must give clear, concise communication that cannot be misunderstood, and then by close supervision, ensure that tasks are properly performed. Before you can expect a team to perform, the team must know what is expected of them. The most important part of this principle is the accomplishment of the mission.
What is the definition of Justice?
The practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.
What is the definition of Tact?
You can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.
What does it mean to Know Your Team and Look Out for Their Welfare?
A leader must make a conscientious effort to observe their team and peers and how they react to different situations. A leader who is nervous and lacks self-confidence should never be put in a situation where an important decision must be made. This knowledge will enable you as the leader to determine when close supervision is required.
What does it mean to Make Time and Soundly decisions?
A leader must be able to rapidly estimate a situation and make a sound decision based on that estimation (by assessing the situation, seeking out relevant information, weigh options, make judgments) and initiate action as required to create a positive outcome within inevitable time constraints. Hesitation or a reluctance to make a decision leads team members to lose confidence in your abilities as a leader. Loss of confidence in turn creates confusion and hesitation within the team.
What is the definition of Judgement?
Your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.
What is the definition of Integrity?
You are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else. Integrity is doing the right thing, all the time, regardless of personal cost or credit to you.
What does it mean to be Technically and Tactically Proficient?
Knowing your job thoroughly and possessing a wide field of knowledge. Before you can lead, you must be able to do the job. Tactical and technical competence can be learned from books and from on the job training.
What does it mean to Develop a Sense of Responsibility in the Team Members You Lead?
Give them the opportunity for personal development and growth. Assigning tasks and delegating authority promotes mutual confidence and respect between leader and team. When you properly delegate authority, you demonstrate faith in your team and increase authority, and increase their desire for greater responsibilities.
What is the definition of Initiative?
Taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.
What is the definition of endurance?
The mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.
What does it mean to Keep Your Team Informed?
To promote efficiency and morale, a leader should inform the members in his/her team of all happenings and give reasons why things are to be done. Informing your team of the situation makes them feel that they are a part of the team and not just a cog in a wheel. The key to giving out information is to be sure that the team members have enough information to do their job intelligently and to inspire their initiative, enthusiasm, loyalty, and convictions.
What does it mean to Employ Your Team Within its Capabilities?
A leader must have a thorough knowledge of the tactical and technical capabilities of their team. Successful completion of a task depends upon how well you know your team’s capabilities. If the task assigned is one that your team has not been trained to do, failure is very likely to occur. Failures lower your team’s morale and self-esteem. Seek out challenging tasks for your team, but be sure that your team is prepared for and has the ability to successfully complete the mission.
What is the definition of Dependability?
You can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.
What is the definition of bearing?
The way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner and posture should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.
What does it mean to Set the Example?
A leader who shows professional competence, courage and integrity sets high personal standards for their personal self before she/he can rightfully demand it from others. Your appearance, attitude, physical fitness and personal example are all on display daily for all to see. Remember, your team and peers reflect your image!
What does it mean to Seek and Take Responsibilities?
You must use initiative and sound judgment when trying to accomplish jobs that are required. Seeking responsibilities also means that you take responsibility for your actions. Regardless of the actions of your team, the responsibility for decisions and their application falls on you.
What is the definition of Decisiveness?
You are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.
What is the definition of Knowledge?
The understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit's policies and keep up with current events.