I believe that leadership isn’t something you’re just born with. In fact, when I first joined the military, I wasn’t thinking about becoming a leader. I was just trying to figure out how to make it through my training without embarrassing myself too much (spoiler alert: I didn’t always succeed). But over time, I realized that being a soldier was about more than following orders. It was about learning how to lead others, and trust me, it’s not all about dictating commands.
Just a Soldier, One Step at a Time
When I was new in the military, I was all about just surviving the day. I woke up early, got through drills, and hoped I didn’t mess up in front of everyone. I wasn’t thinking of myself as a future leader, but what I didn’t know at the time was that leadership was being built in me all along. Every task, every lesson, and every challenge taught me something more about how to guide others, not just myself.
Eisenhower: A Leader Who Knew How to Inspire
Take General Dwight D. Eisenhower, for example. Before he became the famous leader of World War II, he started as a regular soldier, just like the rest of us. What set him apart wasn’t just his military knowledge. It was his ability to inspire and lead by example. He treated everyone with respect, from the highest-ranking officers to the lowest soldiers. Eisenhower didn’t just give orders. Instead, he encouraged others to lead as well. It’s a big lesson for any of us in uniform: true leadership is about lifting people up, not just telling them what to do.
Helping Others, Not Just Bossing Them Around
When I moved from being a soldier to being a leader, it wasn’t about telling people what to do all the time. It was about helping others rise to the occasion and feel empowered to do their best. I realized that leadership is about guiding people to succeed, not just pointing out what they’re doing wrong. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see your team grow and succeed.
The Tough Mission
There was one mission where morale was low, and I knew that shouting orders wasn’t going to help. Instead of being the tough guy barking at others, I decided to have a real conversation with the team. I told them why what we were doing mattered, why I believed in them, and how we could get through it together. You’d be surprised how much stronger we all felt after that. Sometimes, leadership isn’t just being the loudest voice; it’s actually being the most encouraging one.
The Takeaway: Leadership Is Making Others Inspired & Grow
Here’s what I learned during my era in the military;
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the toughest. It’s about being there for your team, encouraging them, and showing them how to be better. It’s about helping others feel confident, even when things are tough. And honestly, a little bit of humor doesn’t hurt either! People follow leaders who believe in them, not just the ones who order them around.
Becoming a leader takes time and practice. It’s not always easy, but it’s one of the most fulfilling things you can do. The best leaders are always learning, growing, and striving to be better. If you’re looking to make that jump from soldier to leader, just remember: it’s not about the rank on your uniform, it’s about the way you inspire and help others.
Read my book In Service: A Guide for Soldiers and Those Who Support Them and be a better leader and a soldier for our homeland!
