Top 10 things I took from *Special Forces military service* to define my management style

<1> LEAD!

Lead by example. Don’t expect from your team what you don’t demonstrate.

<2> Be prepared

Know the plan (tactical and strategical) and expect the unexpected. Constantly run theoretical scenarios and plan the response. Be ready to improvise.

<3> Leader is just another role in the organization

The role does not make you better than others. Everyone has a role, everyone should contribute in its own way based on that role. Including the leader.

<4> Find the Leader’s location

You should always think where is the most effective place. This often changes and not always the best position is in the front or in your office.

<5> Know what motivates your team

It could be fear, could be love. Could be money, could be promotion…

<6> Accept that you will lose people

It’s OK to have team pillars that you rely upon, but you need to think about backup and fail-over options.

<7> On crisis mode, all eyes would be on you

People will look at you for answers and guidance. Your response will determine the team outcome.

<8> Minimize “need to know”

Where possible, everybody should know everything. It will help everybody to do their job. Make sure *your* goal and priorities are known. Never avoid giving feedback.

<9> Plus/Minus one level 

Every person in the team should be able to do, in addition to his job, the role of the person above him and below him. This should be practiced.

<10> Have the right hierarchy

The leaders below you should have same or more level of responsibility. Strive to have the direct leaders give good news while senior managers give the bad news.