The Winning Playbook of Leadership. How To Prepare Our Teams To Win Battles with Colonel Blake Glass
In episode 59 of the Avant-garde Entrepreneur podcast, we engaged in a compelling conversation with Colonel Blake Glass, a highly decorated military officer with 28 years of service in the U.S. military. The discussion delved into the intricacies of leadership, particularly in high-pressure environments, and offered invaluable insights for social entrepreneurs and leaders operating in challenging contexts.
A Journey of Service and Leadership
Colonel Glass's journey began in Gainesville, Florida, where his family's military history inspired him to pursue a career in the Army. His early involvement in Junior ROTC and an Army scholarship at the University of Florida set the stage for a distinguished military career. Throughout the episode, Colonel Glass emphasized that effective leadership is not innate but requires practice and preparation, akin to building muscle memory through repetitive training in sports.
Resilience and Emotional Management
One of the key themes of the conversation was resilience. Colonel Glass highlighted the challenges faced by young leaders who may experience self-doubt following setbacks. He advocated for focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling on past mistakes. Emotional management emerged as a crucial skill, with techniques like deep breathing suggested to maintain composure in high-stress situations.
Addressing Injustice and Finding Purpose
Colonel Glass shared his firsthand experiences witnessing human rights violations and stressed the necessity of having a higher calling or purpose to process these injustices. He highlighted the role of organizations like Doctors Without Borders in tackling global issues and articulated a structured framework for responding to crises: stopping the killing, stopping the bleeding, and starting the healing.
Empathy, Trust, and Decentralized Execution
The conversation underscored the importance of empathy and active listening within teams to facilitate healing after setbacks. Trust and communication were identified as vital components of leadership, especially in high-pressure environments. Colonel Glass dispelled the misconception that leaders must make all decisions independently, promoting the concept of decentralized execution. By empowering team members to make decisions within their areas of expertise, leaders can enhance efficiency and collaboration.
Personal Strategies for Decompression
Colonel Glass shared his personal strategies for decompressing after intense situations, which include spending quality time with family and engaging in outdoor activities. He emphasized the importance of scheduling personal time and disconnecting from technology to recharge and maintain mental well-being.
Mentoring Future Leaders
As the conversation drew to a close, Colonel Glass discussed his transition to the private sector and his ongoing desire to mentor and develop future leaders. His commitment to sharing experiences and insights with young leaders eager to learn and grow was evident.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for social entrepreneurs and leaders, offering practical advice on navigating high-pressure situations, fostering resilience, and building effective teams. Colonel Glass's experiences and insights provide essential lessons on leadership, emotional management, and the importance of having a purpose in addressing global challenges. Whether you're leading in a war-torn nation or a high-stakes business environment, the principles shared by Colonel Glass can guide you toward more effective and empathetic leadership.
You can watch or simply listen to the full episode here: https://www.trishabaileyphd.com/ep-59
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