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Tough leaders are usually seen as ogres.
Their exacting demands and high expectations add to stress levels. And their
obsessive-compulsive behaviour can have a negative effect on results if they
don't understand how to control stress to get positive results without serious
negative reactions.
The same kind of leadership challenge can be
found in the Army. Management at all levels are faced with the decision of
"tough leadership" or "easy does it" in
preparing troops for
combat and on the battlefield.
Good military leaders work hard to balance
the encouragement of positive stress with the debilitating negative stress they
confront. The best leaders know how to use positive stress to get the most out
of their troops. And they know how to tone things down to when negative stress
threatens productivity.
The Army is fanatic about training officers
and sergeants to take care of the troops. And these well-trained leaders are
fanatic about carrying out their responsibilities. The soldiers in their command
don't always realize why these leaders are so focused on having everything 100%
ready -- personnel, equipment, and training.
Even the most personable leaders are
sometimes accused of managing "by the book" or of being too concerned
with their own personal recognition and promotion. But those who make these
allegations miss the point. Just the opposite is true.
As in the corporate arena, these
"fanatic" leaders are primarily interested in the welfare of their
people. They want to complete the unit's mission with minimum personnel loss.
Strict discipline, intensive and complete training, and numerous inspections are
essential for combat readiness. Corporate leaders face the same type challenges
as they strive for efficient and effective productivity.
Failing to enforce regulations, conduct
detailed inspections, or practice combat readiness is tantamount to dereliction
of duty. The extra effort that goes into intensive training programs creates
additional stress in the unit, but less persistent commanders actually endanger
their troops and their mission when they fail to schedule training that teaches
troops how to deal with the hazards they will face.
Keep this in mind the next time you are
tempted to relax a corporate policy. "Easy does it" might be what your
employees want to hear, but you might also be derelict in your responsibilities
if you give them what they want.
A little "tough leadership" can
give your people and your company the edge needed to compete on today's
corporate battlefield.
Dale
Collie is an acclaimed speaker, author, coach, former US Army Ranger, CEO,
and a teacher at West Point. Selected by "Fast Company" as one of
America's Fast 50 innovative Leaders, Collie is also the author of
"Frontline Leadership: From War Room to Boardroom" and the upcoming
"Winning
Under Fire: Turn Stress into Success the US Army Way".
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