Leadership Is Difficult. That's the Point.
Admiral William H. McRaven spoke at the National Football Foundation's Campbell Trophy Summit. One slide stood out — a powerful reminder of what leadership actually demands.
I recently listened to Admiral William H. McRaven, (Ret.) speak at the National Football Foundation's Campbell Trophy Summit, and one slide in particular stood out.
His message about leadership was simple, but powerful:
- Integrity comes first.
- Set high standards for yourself and the people you lead.
- Hold people accountable, especially yourself.
- Earn the respect of your people through character, hard work, integrity, and a willingness to share the hardships they face.
- And when there is a problem, go to where the problem is and help solve it.
That last point may be one of the most important lessons of all.
Leadership is not sitting comfortably at the top waiting for information to reach you. It is getting out among your people, understanding what they are dealing with, asking questions, listening, and finding out whether your leadership is actually working.
A title may give someone authority. It does not automatically make them a leader.
Leadership is earned through presence, character, standards, accountability, and example.
The leader must be willing to carry the burden, not simply assign it to someone else.
A tremendous lesson in leadership from Admiral William H. McRaven, U.S. Navy (Ret.), at the National Football Foundation's Campbell Trophy Summit.
Credit: Admiral William H. McRaven and the National Football Foundation. All rights to the original video footage remain with the original copyright holder. This post is shared for commentary and educational purposes. Source: Georgia Dossier, Thomas Penn