Where Leadership is Tested

Readers, this week, it is our pleasure to introduce a new member of the HPISolutions Leadership Team, JP Rosso. JP was for many years a client of HPISolutions and is very knowledgeable about our products and processes over that decade-plus period. In addition, JP has a very strong background in Business Development, Operations Management and Senior Leadership in a number of industries. He is a proven professional and we are beyond pleased to have him join HPISolutions. We hope many of you get to know JP in the future. In his first Power Idea, JP talks about REAL LEADERSHIP and the founding principles of all good leaders. Enjoy this interesting perspective on leading your organization into the next exciting year of opportunities and growth.

For most of us, our ‘leadership’ is tested by our performance when fulfilling our responsibilities in the work arena, the family arena, or the arena(s) of organizations we belong to. Each arena places us in a different situation and presents unique opportunities to show leadership.

When we succeed, we feel great; goals accomplished, sales & profits up, kids making ‘honor roll’, being awarded “High Exalted Grand Master” status at your organization.

When we fail, we’re disappointed. Certainly, there can be unpleasant consequences; no raise or bonus, kids needing a tutor, your contribution to your organization goes unrecognized.

But what if the arena for leadership was in a far different arena? An arena where success meant ‘life’ and failure could mean devastating injury & death? I can think of no more serious arena where leadership is paramount than the leadership required in all branches of the military.

Their principles of leadership are succinct & clear. They’re rooted in common sense & commitment to integrity. They reflect how most of us wish our bosses would conduct themselves. Here are “11 Principles of Intelligent Leadership”, taken from the “Guidebook for Marines”.
1. Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your team.
2. Know yourself and constantly seek self-improvement.
3. Set the example for those around you.
4. Develop your team members.
5. Ensure the job is clearly understood, and then carry it through to completion.
6. Know your personnel and look after them.
7. Keep everyone informed.
8. Set goals you can reach.
9. Make sound & timely decisions.
10. Know your job.
11. Develop teamwork among your team members.

How many of us have had supervisors who failed miserably in one or more of these areas? Bosses:
1. Who looked for scapegoats to throw under the bus.
2. Who never took the time to learn new skills; they pushed the work onto you.
3. Who came in late, left early and never worked a holiday or long shift.
4. Who never let you learn new skills.
5. Who were vague giving the assignment but wrote you up if the results were poor.
6. Who couldn’t spell your name, or remember you had a seriously sick spouse or child.
7. Who kept you siloed from key information.
8. Who set outrageous, unattainable goals.
9. Who dithered making a decision to the point that the situation reached critical mass.
10. Who had others do their work and passed it off as their own.
11. Who were a relentless & divisive element.

* There is no more serious environment requiring true leadership than in a military setting.
* Leadership that is tested & successful rooted in common sense & a commitment to integrity.
* Let’s use these principles as examples for developing our own leadership skills, at work, at home, in all aspects of our lives. Semper Fi!