True leaders serve their team. While the classic org chart shows leaders “above” their team members, leaders should be thinking about supporting their teams rather than being supported by them.
As a young Navy officer, I served in Spain. When a Marine ARG (Amphibious Readiness Group) was on its way to our port, the Marine Colonel in charge flew to the base a few days early. As part of my duties, I welcomed this senior officer and arranged to have his orders endorsed, which would allow him to shop at the stores on base. His immediate question was, “What about the Marines? How will they get access?”
This colonel knew that his job was to take care of his team, to worry about them and their needs, even if his needs were being met. As Simon Sinek learned, in the military, leaders eat last. I have seen this in action, at a buffet. The senior officer stood at the end of the line and kept moving to the end as other attendees joined the line. She used the opportunity to chat with the people in her command.
Are you able to prioritize your team’s needs? How can you better serve them today?