Don’t Believe the Movies: Military Leadership isn’t about barking orders

“It must have been easy to lead in the military. Everyone just follows your orders.”

Don’t I wish it was that easy! But many people who haven’t served or been around military leaders have a false sense of what military leadership is. That’s probably because Hollywood rarely gets these sorts of things right.

The silver screen often portrays military leaders as stern, no-nonsense figures who issue orders with a booming voice. While there’s a kernel of truth to this stereotype, it’s a grossly oversimplified depiction of what military leadership truly entails.

Effective military leadership is far more complex. It’s about building trust, fostering teamwork, and making tough decisions under immense pressure. It’s about understanding the human element, inspiring others, and developing future leaders. While discipline and clear communication are essential, they are just a small part of the equation.

Modern military leaders are strategic thinkers, problem solvers, and empathetic communicators. They must be able to adapt to rapidly changing environments, build coalitions, and navigate complex political landscapes. It’s a demanding role that requires a unique blend of skills and character.

Sure, there were some leaders who frequently lost their cool, were impatient, or even toxic bullies. And the good leaders did everything they could to get rid of them.

The best leaders I served with were definitely not screamers. They were kind, thoughtful, empathetic men and women who cared deeply about their troops and their mission. (Note: kindness and weakness are unrelated!)

There are lots of ways the true military style of leadership could help your company. Here's a few ideas based on military principles you can add to your leadership approach:

Clear Mission and Vision

Every military unit understands its mission. They know their objectives and the steps to achieve them. Your organization needs this clarity too. A clear mission and vision bring alignment and focus.

Clear Chain of Command

In the military, everyone knows their role and who they report to. This structure helps in decision-making and ensures accountability. Implementing a similar chain of command in your organization can streamline processes and improve communication.

Training and Development

Military units invest heavily in training. Continuous development ensures that everyone is equipped with the necessary skills. Your company should do the same. Invest in regular training programs to keep your team sharp and motivated. The best units focus training on their “worst day” in battle.

Adaptability and Resilience

Military leaders are trained to adapt to changing situations. They remain calm under pressure and find solutions. Encourage your team to be adaptable and resilient. This mindset will help them navigate challenges effectively.

Team Cohesion and Trust

Trust and cohesion are paramount in military units. They know they can rely on each other. Foster a culture of trust in your organization. Build strong teams that support and trust one another.

Decisive Leadership

Military leaders make decisions swiftly and confidently. They weigh the options and act. As a leader, practice decisive leadership. Make informed decisions and stand by them.

Feedback and Improvement

After every mission, military units conduct after-action reviews. They discuss what went well and what needs improvement. Implement a feedback loop in your organization. Regularly review performance and seek ways to improve.

By adopting these military principles, you can transform your leadership approach and drive your organization to greater heights.

Remember, leading like a military unit isn't about being rigid or authoritarian. It's about bringing discipline, clarity, and effectiveness to your leadership style.

Need help solving your toughest challenges? Bob Dixon is a leadership coach, a strategic consultant, a trusted advisor, and Certified High Performance Coach at 5 Eagles Leadership. He is a combat veteran with over thirty years of military service and a passion for helping people be more awesome.

He is the author of Leadership Insight: Challenging What We Think We Know and dozens of articles on leadership and national security. You can book a call with him HERE.