Three TIPs for Leading the Troops

 Three TIPs for Leading the Troops
Tom Herald
May 2016

There is an old adage in the military that good information is good, no information is bad, and bad information is treason. The same holds true in any business, particularly if you are competitive and plan on succeeding at your trade or venture. This article highlights the power of tactical knowledge - how to get it; how to validate it, and how to use it to gain a tactical advantage.

TIP 1 – Knowledge is Power
You cannot fix what you do not know! However, when you are in a leadership role there is no room for reasons or excuses so your primary job is to know what’s going on, both internally and externally. The military describes this as “ Situational Awareness.” Know your personal, internal and external Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

TIP 2 – Communicate the Vision
A clear vision highlights the mission and objectives, what needs to get done, without neeing words. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is perhaps the most powerful example of communicating a vision. A clear vision inspires people to follow you. A clear vision motivates a desire within individuals to join a team effort. A clear vision can be the fuel for impacting change. People believe in and identify with leaders who have vision.

TIP 3 – Just Do It!
Nike’s slogan was one of the most effective and motivational advertisements in the history of marketing. The reason is because it describes action. Leaders act! They do not procrastinate. They do not over-analyze. They do not hesitate. Inaction is ineffective and weak. Leaders act, assess, and react, continually evaluating but always moving forward.

Bad information is treason. That’s why when you study the top political, military, sports, and academic leaders in history, you will find they have one important thing in common – they surrounded themselves with top talent. Because, they understand one important fact – nobody has all the answers, real knowledge is power.  So, if you keep your situational awareness high, focus on and communicate the vision, and continually move towards the target, your team will follow your lead.