What makes a good leader? Ask Uncle Sam

The leading generals who are leading the war effort in Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs pursuing business at home? When it comes to leadership, the answer is probably more than you think.

In a recent study by the U.S. Army War College, the generals who are leading older persons to the war effort in Iraq was asked to evaluate the performance of their superiors.

The investigation revealed that the best leaders:

* Keep cool under pressure
* Explain clearly the missions, sets standards and priorities
* See the big picture, providing context and perspective
* Make hard decisions-time sound
* Adapting quickly to new situations, can handle bad news
* Give useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone
* Are positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic

According to retired General Walter Ulmer, coauthor of the study, "The study showed that even when tactical and technical skills are excellent interpersonal skills are vital.

What? People skills are key to fighting a war? General Patton must be in the tomb four stars.

According to Ulmer the survey revealed that it is easier to teach technical skills to teach people how to gain trust and build teams. In other words, tactical training are important, but the value of a true leader can no longer be measured by how you lead, motivate, and treats his troops.

The study also showed that many key behaviors these generals shows were learned by example. Their former exhibited superior people skills and intentionally or not, taught those skills to their subordinates. This means that good leaders produced good leaders. I'm sure the flip side is true as well. Bad leaders often produce the next generation of bad leaders. We see it everyday in the business. The rash of recent corporate scandals involving not only the bad guys up. Often involved subordinate executives who were following the example of leading and carrying out his plans not-so honorable.

Not surprisingly, the same features found in general that leads the fight in Iraq are the same traits found in many successful managers and entrepreneurs.

Keeps cool under pressure
Contrary to what many believe, being an entrepreneur is not always a walk in the park. There is constant pressure from several fronts. Pressure to make a sale, to meet payroll, keep the doors open, to keep workers in line, and so on. The best entrepreneurs learn to thrive under pressure. Pressure becomes a motivator, not a detractor.

clearly explains missions, sets standards and priorities
Successful entrepreneurs understand that the organization runs smoother, better, faster if everyone is on the same page. A good leader makes sure his subordinates understand the mission at hand. He makes sure that everyone understands the expectations, goals and objectives. He shares his vision and outlines the plan of attack.

He sees the big picture, providing context and perspective
Many managers and entrepreneurs can not see beyond the edge of the desk. Great leaders not only see things, they ensured their team sees him, as well. They share their vision and perspective for the long haul, not just the battle is being fought today.

Gets tough, sound decisions on time
One characteristic of successful entrepreneur is the ability to make decisions quickly and deeply. You must weigh your options and choose a direction with the minimum time of consideration. Procrastination has no place in battle or in business. Procrastination entrepreneurs will quickly become someone else's procrastinating employees.

Adapts quickly to new situations, can handle bad news
In business some days are diamonds and some days are coal. Successful entrepreneurs are ready to face the day, no matter what it brings. Do not stick your head in the sand and wait for the bad news to go.

Provides useful feedback; sets a high ethical tone
A good leader listens more than talks. He takes input from the team and makes decisions based on that input and expertise. He gives the example that he expects his team to follow.

Is positive, encouraging and realistically optimistic
A good leader never lets his team see him sweat. He does not broadcast his negativity because he knows negativity is contagious and will spread faster than plague. A good leader encourages his team to perform no matter the odds. He is the positive force that keeps everyone motivated to win.

Every entrepreneur should take a lesson from these generals, as well as any corporate executive. I'm sure that would reduce the time many of them are now spending in the stockade.

Here's to your success!

Tim Knox