The Big Three of Leadership: Be Competent, Be Capable, Be Credible

The pillars of exceptional leadership

Photo by jean wimmerlin on Unsplash

Exceptional leaders reveal themselves when it matters.

In difficult moments when something needs to happen — there they are.

Leaders inspire.

They are courageous.

They are agents for change driving forward progress

Over 20 years in the military, I have seen the best and worst of leaders and leadership.

These three pillars, effectively integrated and aligned, give rise to the very best of leadership:

Be Competent

Competent leaders have the skills and experience to know WHAT needs to be done.

They have walked the walk, or at least recognise the path.

They understand the challenges their people are facing because they have made sure they do so through engagement, observation and learning.

No military leader can be effective if they cannot run, shoot, and keep up with their team.

Just as no corporate or non-profit leader can be effective if they do not know what needs to be done.