Last week I gave a list of 10 lessons I learned about leadership, strategy, and management that I learned in my time in the Canadian Army and as a consultant, helping executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations to exploit change and achieve outstanding growth in results and performance. I promised 10 more this week, and they can be summarized as “Create the conditions for success,” so here goes:
- Never accept a situation as given. There is always something you can do to…
- Create the conditions for success, by…
- Shaping the “battlespace” and preparing the ground to your advantage.
- Then, make sure your people understand your vision, mission, and intent.
- Remember that people power is based on engagement, commitment, and initiative.
- Morale is about the will to fight, to persevere, and to win, not just about being happy and in a good mood.
- Care for your people and they will reciprocate.
- Keep things as simple as needed, but no simpler.
- Brilliant strategy and manoeuvres are essential, but they depend on careful logistical and administrative planning and routines.
- Remember that we fail as individuals but succeed as a team.
Richard Martin is a consultant, speaker, and executive coach. He brings his military and business leadership and management experience to bear for executives and organizations seeking to exploit change, maximize opportunity, and minimize risk.
© 2014 Richard Martin. Reproduction and quotes are permitted with proper attribution.