During my 7 years in the Army Cadet program I learned a lot about leadership. Our unit was a pretty good unit that had several great leaders during the time I was a part of things from 2006-2012.
In those 7 years the most important leadership lesson I learned was “Lead by Example.”
You don’t need to be a vocal leader, but the example you set has to be nothing short of outstanding if you want to get respect from the people around you.
So Here’s Some Of What I Did To Set The Example In Cadets
- 90% is showing up, and I was there almost 100% of the time.
- I made sure my drill was outstanding.
- I made sure my uniform and deportment were very good.
- I made sure the value I gave to my unit was excellent.
- Anytime I had to hold someone to a standard, I made sure I met that standard myself.
- I made sure I worked hard.
In any leadership role, it’s all about your actions, nobody will care about what you say until your actions back it up and you lead by example.
You can’t demand hard work out of your team and expect to be respected if you aren’t the hardest worker there or at least a very hard worker in the first place.
Effort is respected, and your effort needs to be the number one aspect of your example.
Angus Baynham-McColl
Insights From Angus 