To get the best out of your men, they must feel that you are their real leader and must know that they can depend upon you. John J. Pershing

To honor our Veterans this week, we are looking at some of the commanders of United States Armed Forces and their take on leadership and organization and motivation. We have looked at Patton and Eisenhower and Nimitz, go back and read them if you haven’t yet. They gained their fame and status in World War II. Now, the leader of the American Expeditionary Force, John J. Pershing was the only soldier to ever hold the distinction of being a SIX Star General, with the exception of George Washington who received the rank posthumously. The more you read about Pershing, the more intimidating he becomes. Revered by the aforementioned leaders, he is just astounding.

So he believes that leadership must be intrinsically known by those who are led. Not just be the Boss, everyone knows who that is. They have to know and recognize that you are The Leader. If your people know that you are the leader and that they can depend on you…you will get their best. Now as we discussed in the last post, there are times when you won’t get their best and then for the team, you must lead by replacing individuals, but that is a topic for a different column. These are unfortunate one-offs. Exceptions.

We are talking about your TEAM. As a whole they need to know that you are the leader and that they can depend on you. They need to know that you are in it with them. When they know you are the leader and they know they can depend on you, then you will get their best.

Now lead your way and your team to a GREAT DAY!