Leadership brings up many pictures and ideas. When we survey participants "who is a leader?" or "What traits does a leader have?", we get the a variety of answers. That's expected. Leadership looks different in various environments. I think one model that is often left out is the "First In, Last Out."
The Israeli army has the Palmach Doctrine. That doctrine says officers are to lead the charge and defend in retreat. This is quite different than most people's vision of a leader in battle. Most people think of a General on a hill looking through a telescope observing the battle. This is not so for the Israeli army.
The F-I-L-O approach is a values founded form of leadership. Why? First, you will strategize more when you're in the thick of battle. Second, you increase loyalty by being on the front lines. What teammate doesn't want to stand side-by-side with those who walk the walk? Third, teammates are less likely to abandon the task when those you are responsible to are working alongside you. Last, when you are in the action you can make quick changes for adaptation.
F-I-L-O is servant leadership at its best. A leader who is unafraid to put some skin in the game is a leader who breads ownership and long-term sustainability. As John Maxwell says, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."
Labels: cornerstone leadership solutions, first in, israel, john maxwell, last out, Leadership, palmach doctrine, servant leadership
