A Look at Leadership

The poet in me is attracted to alliteration, so in the early 1990’s, I began describing my style of leadership using these three words: listen, learn, lead.

A couple of years ago, I heard Stanley McChrystal use the same phrase, and I was overjoyed that it resonated with such a leader. The retired four-star General and now head of the leadership development firm McChrystal Group, uses it often.

After embracing the three Ls for so long, I came to flesh it out some, and now I use an expanded model. And naturally, I alliterate all the way:

Lean in

Be engaged with your team and your current and prospective customers.

Listen and Look

Find out what is happening, what was happening, and what might be next.

Learn

Determine what works and replicate. And by all means, figure out what’s broken and deal with it.

Leverage

When you learn of your team’s abilities, potential, and passion, leverage it to its fullest for the benefit of all.

Lead

Develop the vision, execute the mission, keep your team engaged, energized, and effective. Address shortcomings and celebrate successes.

Loop

Circle back and check in…with your team, current and former customers and make adjustments where needed. Then start over again to pursue continual improvement and to achieve your organization’s objectives.

Lastly, the lesson: Leaders lean in, listen and look, learn, leverage, lead and loop!

2021 postscript: First alliteration, now hash tagging! #WTL...What The L (for Leadership). It is always about leadership.

Timothy Cummings is a Sergeant Major with the Texas Military Department.