During my Air Force career, I had the opportunity to work for many senior officers who held the rank of General or Admiral.
What was amazing was not only how exceptional they all were, but how hard they worked. In fact, it’s my opinion that our Generals and Admirals are some of the hardest working leaders anywhere, bar none. Especially when you take into account that they are responsible for actually implementing and employing our nation’s defensive capabilities, sometimes under very trying conditions.
For each of these remarkable leaders to have risen to such lofty rank involved an extended process of many years. It included depth and breadth of job responsibilities, a wide variety of experiences, progressive education and schooling, and yes, being tested in the crucible of conflict.
Even after they reach general and flag rank, they continue to get sent to executive leadership courses and benefit from mentorship and coaching.
The growth and hard work does not stop.
Perhaps most importantly, these senior leaders immersed themselves in the art and science of leadership until it became as natural to them as the air they breathed.
And without a doubt, all along the way, they worked incessantly to achieve leadership mastery.
How committed are you to achieving leadership mastery?
By Joe Scherrer | The Leadership Crucible