“In case you’ve forgotten, the Army has a significant training investment in you, “he boomed. “You do not have the right to unnecessarily put Army resources at risk.”
It’s a fine line successful leaders walk. On one hand, those who’ve accepted the responsibility to lead must understand when it’s time to delegate and move to the background where they can oversee and support the troops. On the other, leaders must present themselves in such a way that their charges know, without a doubt, that they are not asking something they aren’t willing to do, themselves.
The two sentiments are not as incongruent as they might seem on the surface. They both embrace the element of sacrifice. As someone once noted to me, “instead of being the sage on the stage, a leader should be more of a guide on the side,” providing respite in the form of strength and direction for those on the frontlines. Likewise, leaders must continually give of themselves.
In the end, those who go the distance and get the most out of their employees and provide the most service to their companies, are the leaders who balance their responsibility with humility.
Successful Leaders Aren’t the Sage on the Sage, but the Guide on the Side adapted by Ken Futch from the book Take Your Best Shot: Turning Situations Into Opportunities, by Ken Futch, Copyright© 2005, all rights reserved.
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