What's the best advice on leadership you ever received from a leader?

Never ask your Soldiers to do anything you would not be willing to do. That doesn't necessarily mean that you are going to "shovel poop" with them every time, but you should participate in it at least once.

Reward in public and criticize in private. Never lose your professionalism in front of your Soldiers and never ask them to do anything that you would not do.

It did not come to me directly from a leader but in a book. Many years ago, I bought a book called, GENERAL PATTON'S PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE AND LEADERSHIP. It is a compilation of many of his saying as recorded by a young officer who served with him as we prepared for WWII. The first lesson in the book is one that always stuck with me. That lesson is, "we can always learn from each other." Throughout my military career and continuing civilian service, I have lived by this probably more than anything. My rank and experience did not give me all the answers and I always looked and listened to my subordinates for answers. I have found that people will surprise you if you listen to them.

The one advice that was given to me and I have used and it works for me....is take every leader you had/have. You take their good traits and bad traits, figure what can/will work for you and then mold it into your own style of leadership. The only drawback is that this is an investment in time type of advice......as you will always adapt your style as time goes on.
But, one solid piece of advice that does not require time.........Whatever leaders you have, whatever it is that you hate it when they do..........be sure not to do that.

Rule 1: No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care - T. Roosevelt
A great book on leadership is: Above The Line by Urban Myer. I recommend this book to everyone!

I was in 19 years (the first 10 on active duty) and on my first mob/dep. My BN CSM gave me the best advise that I've tried to uphold since. I wish I could've learned/applied it sooner. "Do the hard right, not the easy wrong" You'll be surprised how many situations/scenarios that it'll point you to success.

I have been fortunate to be influenced by many good leaders from different areas and as a result I have many thoughts on this subject, however I will share a few very simple and basic ones that I teach to my students-

1) "There is a reason God gave you 2 eyes, 2 ears, and only 1 mouth.... Listen and Look TWICE as much as you talk!" (Some leaders do too much talking without actually listening to what their troops are trying to tell them!)

2) "Don't let the rank on your collar blind you from the reality in which you live and operate." (Yes, you got promoted. You are in charge. You don't have to remind everyone of it all the time! Also, just because you are higher rank doesn't necessarily mean you are right.)

2 of my favorite quotes from others on the subject:
1) "Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish. High expectations are the key to everything."
- Sam Walton

2) "People who are unable to motivate themselves (and others) must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents"
- Andrew Carnegie

and Finally.... Lead by EXAMPLE! Be the standard you expect from your soldiers and do not expect others to do things you are not willing to do yourself.

These are just a few that I've picked over the years. I hope they help.

This and the Creed. It really is amazing how many think they do one or the other, but don't. You'll never be perfect, but if you TRY and put forth an honest effort, no matter what is said, you gave it your all. Folks will see you trying and normally try to give you a hand.

Reading the excellent responses I find only a couple of things to add:
- Soldiers rise (or fall) to the expectations you have of them.
- Don't counsel someone when you're angry
- Be the first one for the bad stuff and last for the good stuff as often as you can: stand in the door, break the ice when crossing the frozen creek, eat last etc...
- The old saying is "Deeds, not words, " but the truth is Deeds AND words.
- Don't talk bad about your boss even if your boss stinks, it just makes things worse.
- Soldiers take their cue from your attitude, so stay positive. That's why GOA Eisenhauer made a point of smiling in his pictures. If the boss looked worried, then there must be something to worry about.
- Good leaders underwrite the honest mistakes of their people. If the boss brings heat - stand up for your people, then you go and fix it.

Never ask your men to do anything you cannot, havenot, will not do yourself.