Timeless Principles of Great Leadership: Insights from Renowned Authors

A small confession...

And so, following our week's review of leadership philosophies from some of the most notable and inspiring leaders from the worlds of sport, business and the military, it comes time to end our look at leadership with a summary of the key 'takeaways' we can use to help develop ourselves as standout leaders. As you will see, the principles that have been shared are not rocket science, but they are elusive. They are incredibly powerful when deployed effectively but will be ineffective if done halfheartedly, and perhaps more than anything else, there aren't that many of them to follow and the key lessons that are mentioned are surprisingly(?!) consistent!

Leadership, whether in sports or business, transcends boundaries and time. From the military strategies of General Stanley McChrystal to the corporate wisdom of Sheryl Sandberg, Simon Sinek, Pat Riley, and David L. Marquet, certain principles of effective leadership remain universally consistent. This article explores the key leadership insights from these esteemed authors, highlighting the enduring qualities that define great leaders across diverse environments and eras.

1. Creating a Circle of Safety

Key Insight: Trust and Security

General Stanley McChrystal, in Team of Teams, emphasizes the importance of a “Circle of Safety,” where team members feel secure and valued. Simon Sinek, in Leaders Eat Last, echoes this sentiment, arguing that great leaders create environments of trust and safety. Both leaders stress that a secure environment enables team members to focus on their work without fear, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Application:

Build Trust: Consistent, transparent actions by leaders build trust within the team.

Psychological Safety: Encourage open communication where team members can express ideas and concerns without fear of retribution.

Protect Your Team: Shield the team from unnecessary external pressures to allow them to concentrate on core responsibilities.

2. Empowering and Supporting Team Members

Key Insight: Empowerment and Servant Leadership

Sinek's concept of servant leadership in Leaders Eat Last—where leaders prioritize their team’s needs over their own—parallels McChrystal’s decentralized command approach in Team of Teams. Sheryl Sandberg, in Lean In, also emphasizes empowering team members to take charge and make decisions. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. David L. Marquet, in Turn the Ship Around!, further emphasizes empowering team members to make decisions and take initiative, promoting a culture of ownership and accountability.

Application:

Delegate Authority: Trust team members with decision-making powers within defined boundaries.

Support and Mentor: Provide the necessary resources and continuous support to help team members succeed.

Encourage Initiative: Celebrate instances of proactive problem-solving and innovation.

3. Fostering a Strong Sense of Purpose

Key Insight: Mission and Vision

Both Sinek and Sandberg underscore the importance of a strong sense of purpose. In Leaders Eat Last, Sinek stresses the need for leaders to connect their team to a larger mission. Similarly, Sandberg’s Lean In highlights the significance of aligning individual goals with the organization’s vision. Pat Riley, in The Winner Within, also discusses the power of a shared vision in driving team success. David L. Marquet, in Turn the Ship Around!, emphasizes the importance of clarity in vision and ensuring that every team member understands how their work contributes to the overarching goals.

Application:

Articulate the Vision: Clearly communicate the organization’s mission and how each team member contributes to it.

Align Goals: Ensure individual and team goals are in sync with the organization’s broader mission.

Purposeful Work: Create opportunities for meaningful work that resonates with team members’ values.

4. Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity

Key Insight: Inclusive Leadership

Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In and Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last both emphasize the value of inclusivity and diversity. Sandberg advocates for building diverse teams and ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued. Sinek highlights that inclusive environments lead to greater innovation and problem-solving. David L. Marquet, in Turn the Ship Around!, emphasizes the importance of empowering every team member to contribute their unique perspectives and talents, fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Application:

Promote Diversity: Actively seek to build teams with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Create Inclusive Spaces: Facilitate open discussions and actively listen to different viewpoints.

Champion Equal Opportunities: Recognize and mitigate biases that affect decision-making.

5. Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Key Insight: Growth and Resilience

McChrystal’s focus on adaptability in Team of Teams and Sandberg’s emphasis on continuous learning in Lean In underscore the importance of resilience and growth. Both leaders stress the need for teams to be flexible and constantly improve to stay ahead in dynamic environments. David L. Marquet, in Turn the Ship Around!, advocates for a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation, empowering every team member to contribute to the organization’s success through ongoing learning and innovation.

Application:

Encourage Continuous Learning: Provide opportunities for ongoing education and skill development.

Foster a Growth Mindset: Promote a culture where learning from mistakes is valued and encouraged.

Adaptability Training: Conduct training sessions that prepare teams to handle various scenarios and challenges.

Conclusion

Across the insights from General Stanley McChrystal, Sheryl Sandberg, Simon Sinek, Pat Riley, and David L. Marquet, a clear pattern emerges. Any leader seeking to standout from the crowd as someone who 'gets it' could do a lot worse than following the advice of these incredible people...

For more support or information please feel free to email: [email protected]

WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS IN STORE...!