[October 7, 2016] It was a beautiful fall day in October nearly 30 years ago when I was walking along the main drag at Penn State University when I came upon Joe Paterno for the first time. “JoePa” as he is more affectionately known, was talking to a small group of students about how to be successful at the university. There were a number of questions but I remember his answer that covered them all; “don’t be stupid,” he said. Young leaders should pay attention to his advice.
“My thing was play as hard as you can, don’t be stupid, pay attention to details, and have enough guts in the clutch that you’re not afraid to make a play. Some things I thought were important for a young man to know.” – Joe Paterno, Penn State University Football Coach
I remember doing stupid things as a young leader; who doesn’t. It took me a long time to break the habit of making excuses for my poor performance – or my team’s performance – rather than simply attempting to improve. Today, even after retirement, I still have the tendency to make excuses but my wife provides me with a gentle reminder that puts me back on track to doing what it takes to correct the problem.
In the military, or in any well-run organization, there will be those who can mentor and coach. Their job is crucial, of course, but what advice can they give to young leaders who are looking to stand out from their peers? What are the common mistakes that young leaders make? And, what can they do to simply be a good leader?
Here are a few ways that senior leaders have provided for them:
- Don’t make excuses for poor performance rather than attempting to improve.
- Never let someone tell you that you cannot do something or create something.
- Be organized.
- Know your goals, create a plan to achieve them, and go for it.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses; work to improve both.
- Admit that there will always be people smarter, faster, better, and luckier than you.
- Have a positive attitude, be optimistic, and learn good humor.
- Learn how to carefully and intensely listen.
- Don’t expect rewards for doing your job.
- Don’t pretend to have answers to problems you’ve never experienced.
- Have a yearning to learn from other people, especially older people.
- Never demand more than you’re willing to give.
- Be loyal and faithful.
- Understand that failure is part of being a leader. It’s how you react to failure that is important.
- Be ambitious and not afraid to take calculated risks.
- Remember that you are young and inexperienced.
“We shall act with good intentions, but at times we will be wrong. When we are, let us admit it and try to right the situation.” – Joe Paterno
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]