As we approach Veterans Day here in the U.S., in a poignant moment, I can’t help but to reflect on my origins of leadership abilities. Often, the seeds of leadership are planted long before we step into our formal career roles, and for many, including myself, military service has been a transformative stage for developing these crucial skills. But what else in our various early life experiences can help shape these foundational must needed leadership qualities?
Leadership Forged Early on Playgrounds
The journey to leadership often begins in the least expected places. Consider the playground, where the basic foundations of leadership are exercised in the simplest, purest forms. Here, children negotiate roles in games, resolve conflicts, and collaborate to achieve common goals, like organizing a team for a game of basketball. These early social interactions are often children’s first venture into the dynamics of leading and following, providing a critical foundation for empathy, strategy, and conflict resolution. We often were told to “play nice with others, share, and treat everyone with kindness.” Wouldn’t it be a much different workplace if we remembered these words?
Classroom Challenges
Similarly, academic school settings serve as critical avenues for leadership development. Group projects and extracurricular activities require students to delegate tasks, unite diverse team members with different skills, and solve problems, using collective efforts towards a shared vision. These experiences cultivate a future leader’s ability to guide peers and balance varying viewpoints to reach a successful outcome. It was a give and take of everyone’s voice being heard and being sympathetic to all points of view. As adults, and learning to be more competitive, most of us have lost this ability towards collectivism.
Military Discipline
I was only 19 years old when I signed up for a 6-year stint in the Army Reserves. Full disclosure: I did it on a whim, and I had no idea what it meant at the time! Those six years spent in the Army were critical in solidifying my leadership abilities; most of them learned in basic training. The military environment is about more than just following orders; it’s about leading by example, making rapid decisions under pressure, and learning the vital importance of teamwork and reliability. The skills I learned in uniform: discipline, strategic planning, resilience, and accountability are directly translatable to any leadership role outside the military. Without a doubt, that experience was one of the greatest leadership lessons of my life.
While every leader’s path is unique, but common to all is the variety of experiences that contribute to individual leadership style. Whether through playful interactions, academic collaborations, or disciplined military service, each situation builds distinct teachings of leadership. As we honor those who have served this Veterans Day, let’s also recognize the broad and varied grounds that prepare us for leadership. What early experiences shaped your leadership skills? I’d love to hear from you, please find me on social media to share your stories and reflect on the beginnings of where leadership truly begins. As always, I appreciate you reading, your likes, and sharing with anyone you think might enjoy reading this article.
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