13 Principles of Leadership

John Brock, who teaches leadership classes at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, shared a list of thirteen principles of leadership he adapted from the United States Military Academy. Personally I think these 13 principles apply to everyone, not just those people who think they are leaders. As I have said many times, no matter who we are or what we do, we all have people who look up to us. Consequently we all lead by example, but are you a good example?

1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement. 
2. Be technically and tactically proficient. 
3. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions. 
4. Make sound and timely decisions. 
5. Set the example. 
6. Know your employees and look out for their well-being. 
7. Keep your employees well informed. 
8. Develop a sense of responsibility in your subordinates. 
9. Insure that the task is understood, supervised and accomplished. 
10. Train your employees as a team. 
11. Employ your team in accordance with its capabilities. 
12. Set your priorities. 
13. Take the initiative.