“Engaged leaders are the ones who start the day present, visible, and face-to-face with their people,” so says U.S. Army General Andrew P. Poppas, Commander of U.S. Army Forces Command. In my 27 years in the Army, I heard numerous general officers state things like this – phrases directed at the lowest ranks of the Army. You would think they would speak more in terms of strategy and policy but instead we heard statements like this. I came to understand this speak – meant for the most junior leader. It’s the stuff that really matters. These senior leaders understood that if the most junior leaders – lieutenants, sergeants and staff sergeants got leadership right, the Army would succeed. They were right then, and they are now, and it applies to any organization.
Aside from my leadership practice, I run a small business. It is fun and challenging all at once and I find myself in the shoes of a lieutenant again with a small team around me. Every morning as this small team assembles each person prepares for the day in a different location of the building. If left to our devices, we may not actually see each other before we depart for various locations away from our ‘headquarters.’ Each morning I feel the tug of leadership, pulling me out from behind my computer screen. It is my leadership conscious reminding me to “look’em in the eye.”
I find each person and give them my full attention. I’m present, visible, and face-to-face. It works. My team is incredibly loyal to our mission and genuinely fulfilled at work. I can count on them to do what is right by our customers far away from my direct leadership. I enjoy zero employee turn-over. My interactions are focused on checking on their wellbeing, seeing if they need anything from me, and motivating them to espouse our values and do their very best because they and we are exceptional.
I served under General Poppas several years ago in the 82nd Airborne Division during some extremely challenging times. I watched him lead and he did just as he states. He was a Rob Campbell champion and I owe him a lot for my career success. I posted this quote and his picture recently on LinkedIn and it went viral – a testament to the positive impact he had on legions of soldiers and families. He knew being present, visible, and face-to-face was essential then as he does today. Subconsciously, I’m sure that I’m trying to emulate the example he set for me and so many others. Today and every day, be present, visible, and face-to-face with your people.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Foe more blogs by Rob Campbell: Look’em in the eye — Rob Campbell Leadership
