Healthy Leadership Lessons From Navy Charm School
Brendan Prout
October 5, 2023
 
 
As much of a fan as I am of fantasy fiction, no – this is not an article talking about Hogwarts.  This is wisdom passed along from a very different sort of Charm School – the type that ranking military spouses were required to attend decades ago.  Yes, I’m aware there is still leadership training offered to spouses of ranking leaders in today’s military.  No, it’s definitely not the same program as it was offered to my mother some 30 years ago.  If anything, I’d say what is currently offered is much, much better.  Nevertheless…
 
            While going through old papers, my mother came upon a gem of leadership guidelines that is definitely worthy of passing along, albeit with slightly revised & updated language to address a wider audience.  The wisdom is timeless and relevant.
 
Without further ado, here are Leadership Lessons from Navy Charm School.
 
A toxic leader drives people; a healthy leader coaches them.
 
A toxic leader depends upon authority; a healthy leader depends upon goodwill.
 
A toxic leader inspires fear; a healthy leader inspires enthusiasm.
 
A toxic leader says “I”; a healthy leader says “We”.
 
A toxic leader says “Be there on time!”; a healthy leader gets there ahead of time.
 
A toxic leader fixes the blame; a healthy leader fixes the problem.
 
A toxic leader knows how it is done; a healthy leader shows how it is done.
 
A toxic leader says “Go”; a healthy leader says, “Let’s go.”
 
A toxic leader demands respect; a healthy leader shows respect to others.
 
A toxic leader focuses on today; a healthy leader envisions tomorrow.
 
A toxic leader assumes; a healthy leader asks.
 
A toxic leader never has enough time for others; a healthy leader accommodates the needs and concerns of others.
 
A toxic leader is concerned with plans, projects, procedures, policies and processes; a healthy leader is concerned with people.
 
A toxic leader lets people know where she stands; a healthy leader asks people where they stand.
 
A toxic leader works hard to produce; a healthy leader works hard to help others produce.
 
A toxic leader takes the credit; a healthy leader gives credit to others.