May 2009

LESSONS FROM MEMORIAL DAY

Marines & The Power of Words

As we enter into the summer -- a season of patriotic holidays, it seems fitting to pay deference to a great management book penned by a couple of Marines, Semper Fi: Business Leadership the Marine Corp Way. Whether you’re a veteran or not, if you are required to get results with and through people, this book offers valuable insights.

Marines are very focused communicators. For example, Marines never use the word “repeat” in radio communications, for fear that it may be misinterpreted as “retreat.” Instead, a Marine will use the phrase, “I say again”. And, while Army personnel refer to their drab, olive green, field uniforms as “fatigues”, Marines call their exact drab, olive green, uniforms “utilities.”

There is another word you’ll never hear a Marine Corps officer, sergeant, or drill instructor use, the word is “manage.” In fact the word is treated with such abhorrence, it is often referred to as the “M Word.” That’s because Marines are trained to lead, not to manage.

Not sure if this message is relevant to you as a leader in the private sector? Well, consider how Marines view the difference between “managing” and “leading” – Would your team (platoon) view you as a manager or a leader?

• Managers push their people; leaders pull theirs’ by sheer force of personal example.
• Managers order their personnel to get the job done; leaders inspire their personnel to get the job done.
• Managers build a fire under your butt; leaders build a fire in your belly. “Hands on”
• Managers cultivate obedience; “hands off”; leaders cultivate independence and resourcefulness.
• Managers consider themselves part of an exclusive club; leaders maintain the respect and fellowship of the rank and file.
• Managers accept credit for the success of their subordinates; leaders turn away from the spotlight, letting it shine upon those they have the honor to lead.
• When a project turns sour, the manager asks, “Who is responsible?” Leaders say, “I am responsible.”
• You work overtime for a manager; you work all the time for a leader.

So, what are you – a manager or a leader? What action can you take over the next 30-days to ensure the “M Word” is never uttered about you?

Remembrances for Today’s Leaders

“The house we hope to build is not for my generation but for yours. It is your future that matters. And I hope that when you are my age, you will be able to say as I have been able to say: We lived in freedom. We lived lives that were a statement, not an apology.”
--Ronald Reagan

Application Challenge: Are you building a business that will stand in the future? Are you actively pursuing making your vision (statement) a reality? Are those in your organization living their lives as statements rather than apologies?

“I neither ask nor desire to know anything of your plans.

Take the responsibility and act, and call on me for assistance.”
--Abraham Lincoln to General
Ulysses S. Grant, on his Appointment to
command the Union Armies, 1864

Application Challenge: What type of delegator are you? Do you trust and empower?

“A sense of humor can be a great help – particularly a sense of humor about (oneself). William Howard Taft joked about his own corpulence and people loved it; it took nothing from his inherent dignity. Lincoln eased tense moments with bawdy stories, and often poked fun at himself – and history honors him for this human quality. A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”
--Dwight D. Eisenhower

Application Challenge: When’s the last time you had a good laugh (on yourself)? Commit to adding laughter to your life and the lives of those you lead.

“The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important battle decision. That’s the time to listen to every fear you can imagine! When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all of your fears and go ahead!”
--Gen. George S. Patton

Application Challenge: We are living in a change culture. We’re surrounded by change on all sides. In what situation do you need to take counsel, make a decision, and act?