D- Demand High Performance. Soldiering is a high stakes game, it can literally be a case of life or death. High performance isn’t therefore desirable it is critical. Leaders must have high performance expectations and communicate them to their teams. While many workplaces might not be life or death, demanding high performance is critical. You want your subordinates to have a sense of pride in where they work. How do you communicate your expectations to your team?

How do we deal with issues in our work spaces? Do you confront it, avoid it, or somewhere in between?

E- Encourage Thinking The brain, like a muscle, develops through use. Leaders must encourage those they lead to think by giving them problems that stretch them. ‘Thinking outside the box’, finding an innovative solution to problems is a fine quality in a soldier and must be encouraged. Micromanaging interferes with this. We shouldn’t tell people how to do things if they haven’t asked. Tell them what needs doing and be amazed at their ingenuity! Have you ever been micromanaged in an environment that didn’t encourage thinking?

A- Apply Reward and Discipline It is human nature to enjoy being praised, and reward recognises effort, inspiring further endeavour and motivation to do even better. Leaders must apply a full range of rewards, from formal recognition to timely and regular verbal praise. Never underestimate the value of a ‘Well Done’ or ‘Good Effort’. Reward should be constructive and support the person or team in further optimising performance. The correct application of reward promotes Loyalty and Respect for Others. The application of Discipline, regardless of rank is crucial to correct failings and punish transgressions. Leaders must not shy away from Discipline when required, and do so in a timely fashion. A lack of Discipline compromises Courage and Integrity. What are people’s thoughts?

Who is the best leader you have ever come across and what quality or behaviour do you want to take away into your own leadership