The Dual Nature of Leadership
One of my favorite Merrylisms is, “I may be an asshole, but I’m an asshole with a heart.” This reflects my experiences in various leadership positions in the military, where the mission always took precedence. Sometimes, I had to discipline team members who undermined the mission or violated good order and discipline. This could involve formal reprimands or even more severe consequences.
The Weight of Leadership Decisions
In one instance, disciplinary action led to a team member causing self-harm. Such outcomes weigh heavily on a leader. It’s important to understand that being a leader sometimes means making unpopular decisions. It’s okay if not everyone likes you; you might not be doing your job effectively if everyone does.
Compassion in Leadership
However, being a leader isn’t just about discipline. It’s also about compassion. After taking disciplinary action, I didn’t stop engaging with the individual. I sought to understand the root cause of their behavior. Often, personal issues were at play, and as a leader, it was my role to see how I could support them to refocus on the mission.
Understanding and Supporting Your Team
True leadership involves getting to know your people and understanding their circumstances. This knowledge allows you to create an environment where they can be more productive and effective. Post-discipline, my focus was on understanding the individual, preventing the recurrence of the issue, and alleviating any external pressures that might be affecting their performance.
The Human Aspect of Leadership
At the end of the day, we are all human. The challenges faced by others could be our own. This understanding never stopped me from caring and striving to impact their lives positively.
