17 Things Real Leaders Never Say

Real leaders say things like:
1. Here's the task. Let's develop a plan; or, here's what we're going to do. Now, let's get it done.
2. My team can do that. Here's how.
3. I understand. Let me know how much time you need to get that done. And what tools that you don't already have.
4. I understand you have some personal problems (sick kid/wife. death in family, need to get car repaired, need time to sign mortgage note, you're sick). How much time do you need and when? I'll get you the time if at all possible. Just keep your second posted on the mission.
5. Boss, my team and I can get this done, if you insist, but may I make a few points as to some problems you may not have considered.
6. Pvt., Sgt., Capt. SoSo may not always have it together in garrison or on leave, but when asked and the going gets tough, there's no want else I want backing up my six. Let's cut him a break this time and see if we can do something to help him straighten out.
7. Yes, Sgt. (or Pvt.). Thanks for showing me the better way to do that task. I would never have learned if you hadn't taken the time to show me.
8. Take some R&R. You've earned it.
9. I understand the last guy here had some problems. Some of you may have liked him, some not. That doesn't matter. Let's find the good he did do and build on it. Or, I hear the last guy here walked on water. Well, that's not me. We'll keep some of the good stuff and get rid of some other stuff. I'll be different. Who knows? Maybe you'll think I walk on water, too. Or not. It doesn't matter as long as we accomplish the mission.
10. I won't send my men on a mission I don't think I could accomplish myself. I won't under-resource my team.
11. Risks sometimes have to be taken. The men need to know that and what those risks may bring. Families need to know this, too.
12. Sometimes, the mission is more important than one man or woman.
13. Everybody has something to offer to the mission. Just because you don't like their gender or the gender they want to be, their ethnicity, their skin color, their religion, their politics, or the way their breath smells, doesn't mean you treat them any less a team member. Learn to get along. Seek out the person's good qualities and get to know them. Ignore the things you think are bad that you cannot change and have nothing to do with the mission. Quit whining that there are now women, LGBT, and people with languages you don't understand and who don't eat the same kind of foods you do in the combat arms right along side you. This is the 21st century and it's time to grow up. These people you will expect to cover your six when the going gets rough.
14. In the military, it's not up to you to determine who gives the orders or who is in the White House. Your job, and mine, is to obey the lawful orders given us, even if we don't agree with them personally.
15. Make the very best of every situation that you can. You will feel better later.
16. Don't worry that you didn't get recognized for the outstanding job you did on that last mission. Someone still noticed. Keep up the good work and recognition will come. Anyway, real satisfaction comes from you knowing and feeling you did an outstanding job, even if no one seemed to notice. Hopefully, the whole team did an outstanding job.
17. Finally, as your leader, I want you to know I am always here for you - to listen to you, to stand up for you when you need it, and to teach you and help you when I can. I am also here to learn from you. Don't be afraid to respectfully let me know something is wrong or that you need help. Don't be afraid to tell me I've got my ribbons on wrong. I'm not going to be your last boss, but I want to be your best boss. I cannot do that without your help.

My last boss used many of these comments on a regular basis, note I said my last boss?

A quote I'll always remember from a battalion commander to his staff and company commanders:
"We're gonna do this just like last year. If you've got a good idea, keep it to yourself!"