When Sailors are aware and understand where their command is going, and WHY; when they understand their role, and WHY their contribution is vitally important; when they have the assets, resources, training and direction they need; when they are truly empowered, then they will do the right things for the right reasons at the right times. And, you can follow your people to achieve your vision.
The challenge for leadership is to see where the command needs to go, and WHY. Leadership needs to communicate that vision to the Sailors with sound and rational reasoning, and communicate it so that the Sailors will ardently want to move the command, transform it if need be, from where it is today to what it needs to be to serve the Navy and the Nation best. Then, we won’t need to tell Sailors what to do. They’ll know. They’ll believe it. And, they’ll do it without being pushed because they believe and know it’s the right thing to do.
Can you do that much for our Sailors? If not, step aside Shipmate. Other leaders are ready to fulfill that responsibility with gusto.
1 comment:
This is an outstanding quote, especially when you consider the fact that what I call 'The Why Factor' (also known as the 'So What?') is being promoted as a revolutionary idea on TED. Check it out:
https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en
If I may ask, where did you get this quote from Admiral King? Got a citation or a source? I wanted to use it at my next wardroom meeting.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! And thanks for putting out such an outstanding blog.
LTjg W.
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