Building Blocks for a Good Leader

Below are the Top 5 leadership attributes and their building blocks.

1. Communicator

good listener

- don't interrupt people when talking

- maintain eye contact

- engage audience with questions

- utilize objective listening

- watch for non-verbal cues

- make subject relevant to audience

talk to people

- network

- relay information to peers, subordinates, and seniors

- voice inflection

preparedness

- be knowledgeable of subject

- be aware of audience

- proofread written work

- ask for feedback to understand how people are taking message

- learn other languages/cultures

- video tape self when speaking

- rehearse/practice speeches

- well versed in different subjects i.e. read magazines/publications/doctrine

2. Discipline

- physical fitness

- time management

- planning

- personal development

- doing the right think when no one is around (integrity)

- respect for rules/authority

- organize

- prioritize

- self-understanding (awareness)

- goal-oriented

- emotional fitness

3. Agility

- willingness to learn

- flexibility to accomplish mission

- cross train on new branches outside Signal realm

- compile military regulations with engagement training

- know two levels up and two levels across

- diverse OPD program stressing the importance of agility

- know the Commanders intent

4. Competent

- well qualified, proficient, knowledgeable, effectively supervises resources,

provides constructive feedback to others

- mastering the skills of management and leadership and job specific knowledge by:

reading and learning via schools and classes

seeking self improvement via mentorship from seniors and juniors

training

5. Ethical

- Golden Rule i.e. Treat others the way you would want to be treated

- always put yourself in others shoes

- understanding of cultures and society rules

- well read in history and current affairs

- know the law/ understand ROE

- read and understand UCMJ and civilian law

- perception

- understand/ take note of surroundings and environment

- understand the "gray" areas

- situational awareness

- live by values

- pose values around as reminders

- common sense

- learn from yours and others mistakes