Qualities that Lead to Success

In recent posts, I have been introducing the core values and the eleven principles of leadership that are the foundations of an effective and successful leader.  I continue that discussion here with the traits that are the dimensions of the professional leader that are the guiding tenets that drive toward success and victory.

These 14 leadership traits are qualities of thought and action which, if demonstrated in daily activities, help leaders earn the respect, confidence, and loyal cooperation of their followers, peers and superiors.  It is extremely important that you understand the meaning of each leadership trait and how to develop it, so you know what goals to set as you work to become a good leader and a good follower.  Knowledge of the following leadership traits is essential for the practice of good leadership.

JUSTICE

Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.

Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.

JUDGMENT

Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions. Approach problems with a common sense attitude.

DEPENDABILITY

Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where you’re supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.

INITIATIVE

Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven’t been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.

Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.

DECISIVENESS

Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.

Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or changing your mind on an issue.

TACT

Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.

Suggestions for Improvement: Begin to develop your tact by trying to be courteous and cheerful at all times. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

INTEGRITY

Definition: Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.

Suggestions for Improvement: Be absolutely honest and truthful at all times. Stand up for what you believe to be right.

ENTHUSIASM

Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.

Suggestions for Improvement: Understanding and belief in your mission will add to your enthusiasm for your job. Try to understand why even uninteresting jobs must be done.

BEARING

Definition: Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.

Suggestions for Improvement: To develop bearing, you should hold yourself to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements.

UNSELFISHNESS

Definition: Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.

Suggestions for Improvement: Avoid using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others. Be considerate of others.

COURAGE

Definition: Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can begin to control fear by practicing self-discipline and calmness. If you fear doing certain things required in your daily life, force yourself to do them until you can control your reaction.

KNOWLEDGE

Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit’s policies and keep up with current events.

Suggestions for Improvement: Suggestions for Improvement: Increase your knowledge by remaining alert. Listen, observe, and find out about things you don’t understand. Study to become more knowledgeable in your field.

LOYALTY

Definition: Loyalty means that you are devoted to your organization, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.

Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your loyalty you should show your loyalty by never discussing the problems of the organization, your team, or members on your team with outsiders. Never talk about seniors unfavorably in front of your subordinates. Once a decision is made and the order is given to execute it, carry out that order willingly as if it were your own.

ENDURANCE

Definition: Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership. As they say in the Marine Corps, pain is weakness leaving the body.

Suggestions for Improvement: Develop your endurance by engaging in physical training that will strengthen your body. Finish every task to the best of your ability by forcing yourself to continue when you are physically tired and your mind is sluggish.

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In addition to the fourteen leadership traits discussed above, there are seven others that have not been discussed in detail.  six of these seven are mentioned in the book Fundamentals of Naval Leadership, by the Department of Leadership and Law, U.S. Naval Academy.  The additional traits are cooperation, sense of humor, ability to write well, ability to speak effectively, creativity, self-discipline and charisma.  Charisma is the only one not referenced by the United States Navy.  The ability to write well and the ability to speak effectively would easily fall into one central trait, communication.  In a future post, I will define and discuss these additional leadership traits.  Also, we will go into further detail and discussion about all of the leadership traits and qualities that lead to success.

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Source -

Maxwell Air Force Base (Montgomery, Alabama), United States Air Force Air War College, Gateway to the Internet Home Page - United States Marine Corps - Marine Corps Leadership Traits – http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/usmc/leadership_traits.htm

Core Values

Whoever you are and wherever you fit into an organization, core values are the basic guide to how to conduct yourself in your day-to-day activities, and how you work together as a team to improve the quality of your work, your people and yourself.  Core values are much more than minimum standards.  They inspire us to do our very best at all times.  They are a common bond among all people, and are the glue that unifies any group.

The United States military is dedicated to core values to build the foundation of trust and leadership upon which their strength is based and victory is achieved.  They are the principles on which each military service was founded, and they continue to guide them today.  Service members understand and live by these core values, and have stood ready to protect the nation and its freedom; ready to carry out any mission, to deter any conflict around the globe, and if called upon to fight and be victorious.  They are faithful to these core values as their abiding duty and privilege. 

The core values I will be discussing are the elements of character that lay the foundation of leadership and followership in any walk of life.  They are the valuable traits, virtues and competencies that make great people and successful organizations.  As you will see, these core values are intertwined, and are uniquely related to one another.  They become the standard for behavior that should never be compromised. 

DUTY

Duty is the legal or moral obligation to accomplish all assigned or implied tasks to the fullest of your ability.  Everyone must do what needs to be done without having to be told to do it.  Duty requires a willingness to accept full responsibility for your actions and for the performance of your subordinates.  It also requires a leader to take the initiative and anticipate requirements based on the situation.  Some people think that duty means putting in their time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  But, duty means accomplishing all assigned tasks to the best of your ability.  Leaders, and the teams they lead, must have a deep commitment to duty and what is best for the organization. 

HONOR

To abide by an uncompromising code of integrity, taking full responsibility for your actions and keeping your word; to conduct yourself in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates, as well as being honest, truthful and sincere in your dealings with each other, and with those who you do business with.  You must be willing to make honest recommendations, and to accept advice and suggestions of junior personnel; encourage new ideas.  You are accountable for your professional and personal behavior, and you must fulfill or exceed your responsibilities with honor.  You should never give in to pressures that can challenge your ethical reasoning such as self-interest, peer pressure, pressure from subordinates or pressure from superiors.  Living with honor, and being honest with oneself is perhaps the best way to live each of the core values. 

COURAGE

Have the courage to meet the demands of your profession and the mission when it is challenging, demanding, or otherwise difficult.  Make decisions and act in the best interest of your organization, without regard to personal consequences.  Meet these challenges while adhering to a higher standard of personal conduct and decency.  Courage is the value that gives you the moral and mental strength to do what is right, with confidence and resolution, even in the face of personal or professional temptation or adversity.  Expect and encourage candor and integrity of your people.  If you believe you are right, after sober consideration, hold your position.  Practicing moral courage in your daily lives builds a strong and honorable character. 

COMMITMENT

Dedicate yourself to the professional, personal and spiritual well-being of your people.  Be obligated to and strive for positive change and constant improvement.  Exhibit the highest degree of moral character, professional excellence, quality and competence in what you have been entrusted to achieve.  Be loyal and have a faithful adherence to your people, team, department, unit and/or company.  Loyalty is the thread that binds actions together and causes everyone to support each other, your superiors, and your company. 

SELFLESS SERVICE

Selfless service is placing your duty before your personal desires.  It is the ability to endure hardships and insurmountable odds because of your dedication and loyalty to your fellow employees and your company.  Selfless service is a rare virtue in today’s society, and it needs to be instilled throughout the organization through inspired leadership.  Organizations who work as a cohesive team become an unbeatable force.  The selfless employee and/or leader does not make decisions or take actions designed to promote self, to further a career or to enhance personal comfort. 

INTEGRITY

Integrity is a character trait that means to firmly adhere to a code of moral and ethical principles.  It is the willingness to do what is right even when no one is looking.  Possessing high personal moral standards and to be honest is the basis for the trust and confidence that must exist within an organization.  It is the source for great personal strength and is the foundation for organizational effectiveness.  As leaders, all employees are watching and looking to see that you are honest and live by your word.  And, no person of integrity tries to shift the blame to others or take credit for the work of others.  Most importantly, a person of high integrity has self-respect; as a professional and a human being.  They do not behave in ways that would bring discredit upon themself or the organization to which they belong. 

RESPECT

Respect is treating others with consideration and honor.  It is the ability to accept and value other individuals.  Respect begins with a fundamental understanding that all people possess worth as human beings; to show respect toward people without regard to race, religion or gender.  It is developed by accepting others and acknowledging their worth to an organization.  Therefore, we have to foster respect up and down the chain of command.

 

The Birth of a Leadership Blog

Welcome to the Command Performance Leadership blog; a blog dedicated to the discussion of military and corporate leadership competencies, as well as principled values, virtues and wisdom, to guide military and business professionals to victory.  The ideas, opinions and contributions to this blog’s discussions are intended to tie experiences and knowledge from military leadership to its application in a corporate environment.

This blog is a companion to an online LinkedIn group I started called Command Performance – Military and Corporate Leadership.  When I started that LinkedIn group, my goal was to discuss the synergies between military and corporate leadership and management, and to attract people who come from both the military and civilian worlds to offer their experience and knowledge about fundamental leadership skills.  This blog will serve the same purpose, and will hopefully produce the same results.

Additionally, I have been eager to write a book about military leadership.  I am (slowly) working on a book called “Military Leadership – Concepts of Command (The Comprehensive Study of the Leadership of the United States Military).”  Ultimately, the blog and the book will coexist here, and the pages of the book will evolve.

I have become quite fascinated with the multidimensional subject of leadership, and especially military leadership.  As a veteran of the United States Navy, I have a great deal of respect for those who serve our military, and those who lead them.  Throughout history, men like Julius Caesar, Napoleon, George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George S. Patton Jr., William “Bull” Halsey, Chester Nimitz, Douglas MacArthur, and more recently H. “Stormin’ Norman” Schwarzkopf, Tommy Franks and David Petraeus, have excelled at the profession of arms because of their leading by example.

With all of this as the foundation, here we are today opening this blog.  I am excited to get all of this started.  I sincerely hope that you join me for this journey into the study of leadership, and that you follow and contribute to this wide-ranging discussion.

I am pleased that you have visited my blog.  This blog is meant to be informative and interactive.  I invite you to share your comments on any of the posts.  Additionally, I would like to hear from you.  Let me know what leadership topics we should discuss.  Under the Connect tab, on the right side of the blog’s main page, you will find links to my LinkedIn profile; feel free to connect.  Also, a link to my email is there.  I welcome your direct input via email.

I sincerely hope that you find this blog to be educational and inspiring.  Thank you for your support, and I look forward to blogging with you.

Dale R. Wilson

Copyright © Dale R. Wilson