How are you serving as an inspiration for your team?

What inspires you to be your best?

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Such a dichotomy from his predecessor. Three of my colleagues from our initial flight training arrived simultaneously in the Republic of Korea (RoK). The Rock, as we liked to call it, was an exciting place. On my first time out of the US, I was exposed to a very different culture. This was a different culture, and our first assignment was as a new aviation officer out of training and in the real Army. Young and impressionable, even with a few years of prior service experience, I was a bit na?ve to this new environment. As a young leader, you take notes of everything and everyone around you, how they act, talk, walk, and everything. It was always a question of whether this was right or wrong, but either way, you were watching and taking notes. Unfortunately, sometimes, the example we are presented with is what not to do. I distinctly remember the chaos that occurred upon our arrival. Approximately six hours after we arrived at the Camp, the alert alarms rang out, and we reported to the operations office to figure out what we should do. Because of our recent arrival, we had no idea what uniform to wear, what equipment to carry, or what was happening. The three of us stood in the office among the unit’s senior leaders and support staff, diligently executing our duties according to the standard operating procedures. While this was an excellent opportunity to impart wisdom, training, and experience to the three of us, quite the opposite occurred. What could have been became what should not be, as the senior leader present decided to use the opportunity to belittle, embarrass, and shamelessly pick on officers twenty years his junior. This is another example I used; we chalked up how not to act. His behavior and characteristics were a topic of discussion among all the junior officers, and outside of those he took a personal liking to, most of us knew not to emulate his actions. I spent the time and detail describing how this leader acted and behaved to provide a stark contrast to the example his replacement displayed.

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Every action had a strategic intent. What an impressive leader! Three months after his arrival, the senior leadership in the organization changed, and it had a positive impact. When the new commander arrived, it was apparent early on that his every action had a strategic intent.

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From the onset, it was evident that this leader operated on a plane of strategic foresight unparalleled in our recent experience. Every action and decision was imbued with purpose, meticulously crafted to serve the organization’s larger vision. This was not leadership by happenstance; this was leadership by design, where each move was a calculated step toward achieving long-term objectives. The commander's approach was holistic, recognizing that true understanding and effective strategy emerge not from isolation but through the team’s collective insights.

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The commander sought leaders’ perspectives at every level, underscoring his commitment to inclusive leadership. This was not merely a gesture of inclusivity but a strategic endeavor to harness a wealth of experiences, insights, and ideas that could further enrich the organization's strategic direction. By valuing and integrating these diverse viewpoints, the commander demonstrated a profound understanding of the multifaceted nature of leadership and the importance of grounding strategic decisions in the realities and insights of those at the forefront of operations.

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The introduction of the Lieutenant certification program was a stroke of strategic genius. More than a developmental initiative, it represented a visionary approach to leadership cultivation. This program was designed not just as a means to an end but as a foundational pillar that would ensure the growth and success of leaders at the grassroots level. By focusing on the development of lieutenants, the commander was effectively sowing the seeds of future leadership, ensuring that the organization's strategic impact would resonate through generations.

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This initiative encapsulated the essence of strategic leadership—creating sustainable, long-term impact through the deliberate development of individuals. It highlighted the importance of building from the bottom up, recognizing that an organization’s strength lies in its leaders’ capabilities and readiness at every level. The commander’s actions served as a potent reminder that strategic leadership is about more than just the big picture; it's about understanding how every piece fits together, how every action influences outcomes, and how empowering individuals can lead to monumental, generational impacts.

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In reflecting on these changes and the commander's approach, it becomes clear that strategic intent, coupled with inclusive leadership and a deep commitment to development, can transform the very fabric of an organization. This narrative celebrates the commander's impact and serves as a blueprint for leaders aiming to achieve lasting, strategic success within their teams and organizations.

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Selfless leadership. He gave his time, money, and effort to develop the junior officers. He asked for suggestions and then used them in execution. I distinctly remember our monthly lunches with the junior officers, where he solicited topics, researched and provided materials, and proceeded to answer questions and provide critical and valuable insight to enable our long-term professional success. Although Kevin had almost fifteen years in the special operations community by this time, his humility to push the organization to be the best it could be, to meet and exceed the Army standards, not some higher-level aspiration. He knew and had experienced the very highest level of success but humbly guided the unit to perform at its best.

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He was always in the mix. Another example of how this individual inspired not just the young officers but much of the organization was his presence. Kevin was a professional aviation and a good stick. He wasn’t the strongest or the fastest during physical training, but he was strong and probably much healthier than the general population his age. This leader participated in some of the smaller unit’s team-building events. He was an example of a humble leader who could be present and conduct himself professionally while being part of the team.

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Recruit by example and reputation, not by pressure. Leading an organization of approximately 350 people, Kevin’s impactful leadership in only 12 months created enough momentum for approximately 10% of that unit to seek out and achieve the opportunity to also serve in the Special Operations Aviation Community. I cannot remember him openly discussing his background, other than in passing, but the number of individuals who decided to follow in his footsteps is impressive. His inspirational leadership and effort to set the example by action and not by edict created an environment of success.

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Are you ready to renew your journey and inspire your team while creating a culture of accomplishment and integrity in the organization? What is limiting you from enabling success for yourself and your team? Research how working with a coach can help you understand and embrace your growth strategy. A coaching exchange is a relationship, a partnership between two individuals where your vulnerability and honesty can set you free. When you find a connection with a coach, this can put your path on fire. You may have fond memories of an athletic coach or mentor who started this process in you long ago; now is the time to rekindle that fire! As you digest this article, feel free to reach out and let us start the conversation on how you can become the best version of yourself in the future!

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Hello. I am Kyle Hogan. As a credentialed coach, I enable high performers to accelerate past their current plateau and unlock their best selves, creating impactful success for both individuals and their teams.