Mission Focused
Go out unprepared, be prepared to fail. Go out prepared, be prepared for the unexpected. Whatever do, we need to have an objective in mind, which in army terms is mission. Who, What, Where, When, Why, How? When you begin with an end in mind, you will hit where you want to go, or somewhere near it. There is a purpose in doing it and when doing it, do it nothing less than the best.
People Oriented
What drives us to achieve mission success are normally the people behind the scenes, executing those plans. As a leader, never neglect your people. This comes in two forms. Giving tough and realistic training enables the people to spread their wings fully and allow them to achieve independence on their own. This form of education serves to give them the fullest preparation. The other form is giving support and emotional welfare. This may includes simple appreciations to informal talk to your people to truly show appreciation as well as care and concern to the people. Your people must know their leader in order for them to trust. They must believe that you care.
Values Driven
Through any tough times or decisions to make, only true leaders with the right values will shine. As long as the values are morally correct, that decisions based on it will last through time. Whatever we can compromise, values should not be part of that equation. Stand firm to it and it will not fail you. It may be an unpopular decision, but it will certainly earn the respect of your people.
Creed Directed
I am particular inspired by the Officers' Creed which encompasses many aspects of how a leader should lead.
"I am an Officer of the Singapore Armed Forces,
My duty is to lead to excel and to overcome.
I lead my men by example, I answer for their training, morale and discipline.
I excel in everything I do, I serve with pride, honour and integrity.
I will overcome adversity with courage, fortitude, and determination
I dedicate my life to Singapore"
~SAF Officers' Creed
Taking the first and last line out which says the identity of the leader, the remaining of the creed is applicable to anyone out there. If all leader can do this, there is nothing we cannot do, and there is noone that we cannot lead.
Normally I do not speak in my personal experience, but I shall dedicate this post to this training school which has shaped me to who I am now. To lead, To excel, To Overcome.
