What Leadership Means to Me

Having spent over 23 years in the United States Marine Corps and almost 20 years as a civil servant, I've had the opportunity and privilege to serve as part of the Department of Defense Executive Service. Along the way, I've seen all types of leaders.

So what does leadership mean to me?

Inspire, Develop, Empower

Leadership, and an outstanding leader, to me, is the ability to inspire, develop, and empower others toward a common purpose. A true leader is a mentor, a scholar, and a teacher: someone committed to continually learning while helping others grow. Leadership means leading by example and demonstrating integrity, empathy, accountability, and a willingness to serve others.

Vision Plus Relationships

A leader has a vision for what is possible and the ability to communicate that vision in a way that inspires people to believe in it. But leadership is not just about accomplishments alone. It is about building genuine relationships with individuals and groups, understanding their perspectives and experiences, earning their trust, and bringing people together to achieve a common goal.

Anticipation

Leadership is also about anticipation. Leaders must be able to see beyond the horizon, and react to and prepare for what's coming before it happens — always be ready. In sports, it's about anticipating what the opponent will do even before they know themselves.

Leaving Things Better Than You Found Them

Ultimately, I believe leadership is about leaving people, organizations, and anything you encounter better than you found it. A successful leader does not simply create followers; they develop other leaders. They inspire people to recognize their own potential, give them the knowledge and confidence to succeed, and create an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute — an environment truly open to sharing and welcoming all perspectives.

Leadership is not necessarily about treating people the same; it's about treating people fairly. It's about understanding how people respond to different situations and using that insight to inspire folks to achieve their full potential.

Not a Role Everyone Can Fill

I also believe leadership and being a good leader are not roles that everyone can naturally and successfully fill. It requires a unique combination of character, skills, and commitment. Effective leaders possess empathy, build meaningful relationships, and understand how to connect with and inspire others.

In sports, leadership is especially important because teams rely on individuals who set the example through their actions, demonstrate and hold others accountable, and help create a shared sense of purpose. Strong leaders motivate teammates, foster trust, and guide groups toward achieving common goals, both on and off the field.

The Leaders I Remember

There are many leaders out there, and many books have been written on leadership. But the true leaders I have encountered — the ones I remember — are those who inspired me. Those who left an unforgettable mark on my life. Those who gave me the confidence to continue, the confidence to grow, the confidence to become a leader, and the confidence to inspire others.