The Privilege of Leadership

In today's world it is hard to be a leader yet it's a real privilege.

We are suffocated with data yet short of real information and no matter how hard we work it can be hard to sense achievement when so much remains to be done.

When you lead you ask your people for their commitment and loyalty and sometimes you will be disappointed.  I know people who let such disappointment lead them to a style of leadership based on orders and control.  From then on, communication and command become mixed and this will lead to problems.

Think and act like a General if you must - but understand that at its best, military leadership is not about rigid control.  It relies on trust and clarity of communication at all levels in your organisation.

It's not easy but it can be a lot of fun.  Calling the shots carries a great deal of responsibility, not only for yourself, but for your people.

Your employees’ lives, to a large extent, are dependent on you and your decisions.  Bad strategy can end up affecting a lot of people. This is where being a leader takes on a new dimension. 

Every decision you make is an important one, whether there are twenty thousand people working for you or only one.  Make a mistake with your first employee and you might never have a second one.

If you are extra careful when hiring employees, management becomes a lot easier.  I have in the past hired people because my head told me they should be good - even when my heart told me - careful this is a Bad Idea!!  Bottom Line: Find people who suit your business style and you’ll have fewer problems to deal with as time goes by.