Leadership Thought: Learning from Others

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

John Quincy Adams

During the 24 years I served in the Army I met colonels and generals who were not leaders. This would seem contradictory to those who have not served, but just think about people you have worked with at different companies. Have you met people who inspired you to become more than you felt you were capable? How about those who only inspired you to survive? That leads to my first leadership thought…

Thought: You can learn leadership from everyone you work with!

Remember, learning what NOT to do is still learning. I was fortunate that early in my career I had the pleasure of working with some amazing people who really helped develop my leadership style. When I first entered the Army I was not someone who people would have predicted would become a battalion commander responsible for the lives of 625 Soldiers. However, I was fortunate to be around people who helped mentor me. They helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses and provide me direction for improvement.

Studies have shown that organizations with a mentor program are more likely to attract Gen Y than those that don’t and offer higher salaries.  Become a mentor and make a difference in someones life.

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