Posted on Dec 16, 2014
Capt Byron Chen
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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?
Posted in these groups: Imgres EmploymentLeadership abstract 007 Leadership
Edited 10 y ago
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Responses: 4
SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
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Edited 10 y ago
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.
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MSgt Scott Gaston
MSgt Scott Gaston
10 y
I agree as I believe Respect is earned, I also believe it is earned as a result of "Leadership by Example" regardless of status or venue!
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
10 y
MSgt Scott Gaston You make a great point, respect is earned. Your second point is spot on as well, one great way to earn respect is by leading by example. Thank you for adding to and commenting.
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SSG Tim Everett
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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.
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SSG Tim Everett
SSG Tim Everett
10 y
I will never lead from the rear. Ever.

There's leadership, then there's management or being a boss. To me, managers can issue orders. A leader leads, teaches, coaches, trains, instructs, provides feedback, and gets his/her hands dirty.
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SFC Peter Cyprian
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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.
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Capt Byron Chen
Capt Byron Chen
10 y
Leadership 101 is right. It boggles my mind sometimes that the issues that plague these teams would be handled at such lower levels in the military. Even our most junior service members have a better grasp of team dynamics, leadership, and accountability.
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