One of the best pieces of advice I received early in my career came from one of my bosses. I was pursuing my first company command, so I asked my boss for advice.
Now, before I share his advice, let me tell you about my boss. After graduating from West Point, he began his military career as a field artillery officer. By the time I worked for him, he was a crusty old Colonel.
While most of our organization’s individuals thought he was a difficult old fuddy-duddy, I saw him as a fountain of knowledge and wisdom. When I had free time, I would sit down with him and pepper him with questions. He would lean back in the chair and share his lessons learned.
When I decided it was time for me to pursue a leadership position as a company commander, I went to my boss for advice. As he leaned back in his chair, he asked me why I want to be a commander. I explained I had served as a Detachment Commander in my previous assignment, and I enjoyed leading others.
My boss told me that being a leader was filled with long hours and hard work. I assured him I was up to the task and was ready to go. As he leaned back in his chair, he looked me in my eyes and asked me if I was prepared for the challenges leaders faced every day.
He said, “You cannot have a testimony without the test.”
My boss shared several stories from his 28 years of service. His final story was about leading soldiers in war. As he shared about losing soldiers under his command, I saw a different side of my boss.
He was vulnerable as he shared the numerous adversities he faced as a young officer. My boss explained the emotional journey he dealt with as he led others into harm’s way.
Leaving my boss’s office, I had a deeper level of respect for him. His transparency and authenticity provided me with a greater appreciation for him as a leader and person.
“All good leaders are connectors. They relate well and make people feel confident about themselves and their leader.”
– Dr. John C. Maxwell
The adversity my boss experienced early in his career made a connection with me he’d not made with others.
Our connection reminded of a quote from John Maxwell, who said, “Adversity naturally closes the gap between people because everyone shares in the struggle, but leaders who can reflect and live authentically become much more relatable—and much more effective!”
Has adversity made you more relatable to others?
#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim
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