Posted on May 11, 2020
Do you surround yourself with people who challenge you?
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This is a big question, with a narrowed context - I have reached chapter 5 of "Dereliction of Duty", a great piece of literature on the events leading up to the Vietnam War. I had some thoughts today about where I am at in the narrative, specifically regarding the disjointed efforts of the White House staff in '63-'64:
In leadership, counsel ought not come from people who only appeal to your desires and opinions. Graciously welcome opposing views and you need not fear the adversity it creates. This sacrifices expediency, but bolsters quality of action. Consider that restrictions on free speech inhibit leadership as everyone involved will lack accurate information and perspective; efforts will be weakened because they are isolated. Resting a decision on your capabilities alone can violate the expectations of many who work for you. Leadership should be situationally aware - communication begets teamwork begets effectiveness.
I chose my words carefully and packed a lot of thought into a few sentences, hope my ideas come across well. What are your thoughts on this?
In leadership, counsel ought not come from people who only appeal to your desires and opinions. Graciously welcome opposing views and you need not fear the adversity it creates. This sacrifices expediency, but bolsters quality of action. Consider that restrictions on free speech inhibit leadership as everyone involved will lack accurate information and perspective; efforts will be weakened because they are isolated. Resting a decision on your capabilities alone can violate the expectations of many who work for you. Leadership should be situationally aware - communication begets teamwork begets effectiveness.
I chose my words carefully and packed a lot of thought into a few sentences, hope my ideas come across well. What are your thoughts on this?
Vietnam War
Leadership
Advice
Effectiveness
Teamwork
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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Sir True leadership seeks information from every available source in order to make an informed choice. IMHO I would seek to have good mix of those who support your choice (With solid reasons to) others who pick apart you choice with clinical precision and not emotional drivel and those who can look at the choice impartially and balance the merits of that choice. In the end, all should understand that once your choice/decision is made thats it, move on and that they will do everything in their power to make it succeed. While its nice to have consensus in the end leaders listen then move out. It would be great if everyone could all come to a perfect alignment but in real life that never happens and in combat folks can get dead real fast. Doing the right thing should be the guiding light for a leader, even in the end if that turns out to be wrong, you own it and the troops will see that.
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I agree sir. I look at it like working out, if you want the biggest growth and improvement you need resistance. Maintaining only one level will do just that. But it also requires different exercises or you'll plateau, like required different input from other experienced leaders and even subordinates.
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Cadet 2LT (Join to see)
1LT (Join to see)
Between end of finals and waiting for the final word about Advanced Camp , I have a lot of time on my hands sir, lol
Between end of finals and waiting for the final word about Advanced Camp , I have a lot of time on my hands sir, lol
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I have the pleasure of having people around who don't always agree with me. The great thing is that they have helped my mind mature. You, sir, I think are well on your way in becoming a great leader.
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"Do you surround yourself with people who challenge you?" By definition you are in that position. Your NCOs and Staff NCOs all the way to your Company CO. Give your input, listen attentively to your juniors and seniors. Many things that will be said will challenge your understanding of how things work. That is how we all grow!
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I couldn't agree more. In the corporate world, an example of this can be found in Ray Dalio's Bridgewater. The company embraces differing ideas as a battle if ideas allows for high quality ideas to prevail.
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1LT (Join to see)
I find that kind of funny, the idea that I connected with capitalist corporate ideology. Ha, cheers.
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I always listen to my contarians in the military and as a hospital CEO-saved my butt more than once. Blue sky advice strokes the ego, but you have answer the question "I am I that smart"?
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