When I was in the Army, I was an officer assigned to the S-3 section of our Cavalry Squad. S-3 is the “Planning and Operations” section of everything that happens in the Squad. We planned almost everything, from the details of the flag to the battle plans. I was the S-3 attendant and a Major was assigned as our OIC.

Well, a new Major has been assigned to be the OIC for this unit. It was my job to update him on everything that was going on. As he did this, he began to underestimate all the plans that were in the works. He was criticizing several of the plans (which were also approved by the Squadron Commander). That was the “key #1” that there was going to be trouble.

About six months after his “command”, I realized that he would try to climb to the highest points, making sure it was seen that he was in charge. But when it came to the last hours of the night before an important report or operations order was ready, he was nowhere to be seen. Even during maneuvers, he would have an excuse not to spend so much time in the mud with the others.

One day, I guess it was showing on my face. A fellow officer came up to my desk and told me flatly that everyone (i.e. command staff and line officers) knew “I was the one actually running the S-3 shop” and to “keep the head held high. had their support.” That made me feel a little better, knowing that others were also seeing what I was seeing.

How does that help you?

In your business, if you are the “leader” then you need to be there when things get messy. When your subordinates are in the middle of an important project for their “team”, YOU need to be involved too.

Next, don’t criticize plans that are already underway. If you need to provide additional guidance, please do so. But don’t just throw out all the plans, especially the ones that are underway in their implementation! If you weren’t there to “make the call” when needed, support your supervisors who had to make the call in your absence.

Lastly, never, ever, EVER accept praise and praise for a job well done. You must, at all times, praise your team and give your team credit for each win. EVERY WIN! Yes, he may have jumped in and saved the day… but credit for the win goes to the TEAM. Every time!

If there is any blame for a poorly performed task or job, never, ever, NEVER blame the team (and especially never point fingers at a team member) or a supervisor below you. You, as the team leader, must accept full responsibility for every failed task related to your team. Each!

“Well that sounds unreasonable! I shouldn’t have to accept responsibility for something when someone else clearly didn’t do their job!”

“Yes, you should!”

Most people will know that it’s not your fault. But by standing up and taking responsibility for “your team’s” poor performance, your credibility will increase to those who see it, and your team will begin to develop more loyalty to you! By interfering with your team, they will start interfering with you, but doing a better job.

This really works! What I am sharing with you takes some people years to realize.

Why does this work?

Because it’s called “being a leader.” Don’t fall into the category of leaders who just want recognition and people to see them bossing around. Don’t fall into the trap of “I tell people what to do, and they do it.”

Instead, work with your team. Become a member of the team. Someone they can count on to make the “right decision at the right time.” Someone they know will have their back if things don’t work out. Someone they can look up to and try to emulate.

Leader Leadership – Slacker’s no!

Don’t be lazy!

BE A LEADER!