When people talk about leadership in the military, they often think it’s all about being tough or giving orders. But let me tell you something: the best leaders I’ve known were the ones who cared. They didn’t just focus on getting the job done—they looked out for their people.
I remember a day during training when one of my teammates was struggling. He wasn’t just tired—he was really down. Instead of yelling or pushing harder, our leader walked over to him and said, “Take a moment. We’ve got your back.” That stuck with me. It showed me that real leadership isn’t just about strength. It’s about the heart.
Caring Makes a Difference
A lot of people think showing care or kindness is a sign of weakness. It’s not. It’s one of the strongest things you can do. When you care about the people you lead, they trust you. And trust is everything. A team that trusts its leader will do whatever it takes to get through tough times.
Caring doesn’t mean you let people slack off. It means you understand they’re human. Everyone has bad days, struggles, and challenges. When you take time to notice and help, you make the whole team stronger.
Small Things Matter
It’s not the big speeches or dramatic actions that make a difference. It’s the small things. A kind word, a pat on the back, or even just listening when someone needs to talk can mean the world.
I remember an officer during deployment who always sat with us during meals. He didn’t have to, but he did. He listened to us, joked around, and made us feel important. When things got hard, we gave it our all because we knew he cared about us as people, not just as soldiers.
Leadership Beyond the Uniform
Compassionate leadership isn’t just for the military. It’s for life. Whether you’re at work, helping in your community, or even just being a good friend, caring makes a difference. Listening, understanding, and showing kindness can change someone’s day or their life.
One of my favorite quotes is from Theodore Roosevelt: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” And it’s true. Being a good leader isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about making people feel seen, heard, and valued.
If you want to learn more about leadership and serving others, do give it a read In Service: A Guide for Soldiers and Those Who Support Them by yours truly Franklin Wesley. It’s full of stories and lessons that’ll inspire you to lead with care and purpose.
