How would you improve leadership in the civilian world with military techniques?

2014-12-16T01:29:15-05:00

When I was leaving the military, people told me that leadership in the civilian world would be different. I don't necessarily see it that way. There are several correlations that I've noticed -- knowing your people, providing good direction, promoting an environment of honest feedback that leads to innovation and problem solving, fostering team work, and accountability -- are all just as necessary. What I find lacking is that leadership isn't something that is taught, preached, or highlighted to the degree that it is in the military, and companies are missing out on getting the most out of their most important resources (PEOPLE) because of it.

What would you apply from your background to better lead in a civilian environment?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2014 1:49 AM

2014-12-16T01:49:00-05:00

Capt Byron Chen Build your junior leaders and delegate responsibility. Managers get down into the micro level too often and it's just too time consuming and drains on moral. Give your subordinates the flexibility to try new ways of getting the job done (i.e getting Commander's intent and completing mission). They'll enjoy the freedom of movement, work harder, and can take personal responsibility/accountability for a job well done. Provide routine evaluations and constructive criticism.

My last company was 50% SM/Vets so it ran like a well oiled machine.

Response by SFC Peter Cyprian made Dec 17 at 2014 12:02 AM

2014-12-17T00:02:15-05:00

Beatings will continue until the practice of trying to blame someone else or another department for YOUR failure ceases!! Wall to wall counseling sessions will be regularly scheduled until people learn to state not only problems, but suggest solutions that are workable!! The next person that says "that's not my job" when told to do something by their supervisor will find themselves picking up cigarette butts in the parking lot over the weekend!! The next person that mouths off to their supervisor will be sent home without pay for the next 2 days after the ONE warning (I don't care if this warning was 8 months ago, you were warned).

Seriously though- the civilian world could use a LOT of Leadership 101. Departmental "tribal warring" needs to be nipped in the bud. Accountability for your actions- it starts at the top!! Supervisors need to be empowered (with correct oversight). While everyone has assigned duties (I should hope!), the need to understand that sometimes you have to pick up the slack when it comes to details that don't necessarily have a person assigned to them.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 19 at 2014 9:06 AM

2014-12-19T09:06:55-05:00

For you Army guys... simply remember your Army Values. Enforce standards, lead from the front not from the back office desk, hold people accountable, and be flexible but remember that you can still be firm.

And if you have teenagers working for you, G-d help you because you are FXRd.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 19 at 2014 9:31 PM

2014-12-19T21:31:54-05:00

Capt Byron Chen Sir, leadership is leadership whether in the civilian or military realm. The difference is likely execution. The values we develop as leaders and service members translate well to being a stellar employee. Leading by example is a great trait which serves the leader in both the military and civilian worlds well. An example I have witnessed was a manager at FedEx who was a former Soldier and leader. While other managers sat in their office during sorting and loading, she was always there and always helped. Unloading a can, no problem. Loading a truck, no problem. Sorting packages, no problem. She was a hard leader, from the standpoint of she had reasonable but lofty expectations, but everyone who knew her, also knew those same lofty expectations were for herself. Our value system is intrinsically honest and consequently, is something which allows us to lead while maintaining our integrity. This is critical to leaders at all levels and all spectrums.

So, I say all of that to say, leadership is leadership, whether military or civilian. It requires the best people, expecting and demanding the best of themselves and others. Leaders must also provide established and quantifiable goals and objectives plus present integrity, honesty, and loyalty. These values cannot be over stressed and must not be under done.