“I strive to be confident enough to convince people that I am in charge, but humble enough to realize that I am often going to be wrong.”
Rule #6 of Robert Sutton’s “12 Things Good Bosses Believe” is one that should resonate with military leaders. Typically, we do not have difficulty convincing people that we are in charge; the long history of service and discipline inherently gives authority to leaders/commanders.
Still, exerting authority at the right time/place does not come naturally for some, so it may be necessary to look for opportunities to lead with intention and assertiveness. But let’s be honest, most military leaders need to pay attention to second half of Sutton’s statement.
Being in charge doesn’t mean you’ll always be right. In fact, being a leader almost guarantees that your decisions will be wrong in at least some people’s eyes.
Leadership sometimes means making people mad.
– General Colin Powell
Sutton’s point is that sometimes leaders will be flat-out wrong, and the good one’s will:
- Be open-minded enough to sense it
- Be humble enough to admit it, publicly if necessary
- Be willing to listen to advice and correct the mistake