Sine Quo Nons (the indispensable things) of Leadership

1/7/2011

From a recent speech I made in Gainesville and will be included in my next book:

1.  It has been said that leaders do not suffer fools.  I suggest that one can suffer fools longer than one can suffer disloyalty or dishonesty.

2.  Employee (cadet) morale is the oxygen of the organization - plan for it.

3.  Establish high standards or expectations for the work force (cadets).  They will work better at full stretch.  Remember the Wilson Pickett tune -"99 and 1/2 won't do, got to have 100?"

4.  Do not debate the importance of form versus substance - you have to have both.  Part of being good is looking good - that applies to your person, grounds, and facilities.

5.  Title to learning - Give 10% of your time to professional development, whether it is professional education, individual study, or just plain reading.

6.  There is a difference between being in control and controlling.  Know the difference and refrain from the latter.

7.  When in doubt, trust your instincts, decide and don't look back.

8.  You must possess self-awareness; display your strengths and hide your weaknesses, as you work diligently to eliminate them.

9.  Associate with others who possess strong character and personal values; bring no one into your confidence who does not possess both. 

10.  Remember when you are in charge, you are accountable; thus, knowledge, supervision, and oversight are preludes to success.  A great Army General once told me, "In God I Trust -everything else I check."