Leadership Secrets of the Australian Army: Learn from the best and inspire your team for great results

by Noel Turnbull

Representing: The role model Personify what the team stands for and expects to see in its leader Component elements Examples of relevant behaviours Lead by example • Display a sense of professionalism, proficiency, character, integrity and enthusiasm. • Set an example of doing the ‘right thing’ in terms of ethics and in going beyond self-interest for the good of the group. Give direction and meaning • Frame organisational-level goals and issues in terms of what matters to the team. • Set clear short-term objectives that help members see their place in the bigger picture. Relating: The supportive people manager Build self-belief and team spirit Treat members as valued colleagues • Get out and about to talk face-to-face and share team activities. • Coach and counsel members individually and collectively. Develop individual and group identity • Express enthusiasm for the team and its members, and provide special recognition when people do exceptional work. • Talk about ‘we’/‘us’ rather than ‘I’/‘you’, and share the credit for achievement. Running the team: The engaging catalyst Make working with you intrinsically rewarding as well as productive Use team activities to build skills and work engagement • Allocate clear responsibilities for achieving targets, and give people the ‘elbow room’ and the resources they need to get on with it. • Keep the team informed on individual and group progress. Encourage open-mindedness and a spirit of continuous improvement • Encourage differin...