Casual Thoughts on Leading

3/31/2015

MG Melvin Zais, USA (Ret) had an interesting formula for effective leadership, which said, "Decide - Explain - Enforce."  It seems to work well, but I am not sure it serves well in all circumstances.  I would modify it by saying that when there is sufficient time, the leader should, " Decide - Explain - Enforce."  When time is of the essence, omit the Explain portion and simply "Decide and Enforce."

Col Joshua Chamberlain, Commander of the heroic 20th Maine at Gettysburg told of his father's consistent retort when asked the "how" of an assigned task, "do it - that's how" was his father's response.  Under certain conditions, that is true leadership.

Some of the best leaders whom I have worked for were irascible, restless, seemingly never satisfied, extraordinarily observant, and aware that perfection is non-existent but never showmen.  To be successful, we must understand the difference between leadership and showmanship.  Showmanship is about self and is unable to offer long term success.  Showmanship seeks popularity and affirmation; leadership is about others, moves the needle to the right, and is more interested in respect than popularity.  Politicians exhibit showmanship; leaders earn respect.  At Riverside, we are developing leaders.