Leaders eat last is an early leadership lesson I learned early in my military career first as a soldier when my leaders would hurry me to the chow line in front of them, then doing the same for my soldiers when I became a leader. The gesture was lost on me until I became a leader and learned that the act is not a control measure but an overt gesture of putting the needs of those in your charge above your own, Leadership. There are a few fables of where the military custom of leaders eating last originated as it was told to me is it comes from past wars when field rations were not always sufficient to feed everyone equally, leaders would allow the soldiers to eat first to ensure they got enough to eat, and the quality of food was better. This kept those doing the brunt of the work fueled and moral up, both very important for fighting wars, it also showed that their leaders cared about them. This is what leadership truly is caring for those whom you are responsible for and putting their needs above our own.
People seek and take on leadership roles for many reasons, some for the increased pay, some for rank or title, and others for the comfort of and easier role. But these reasons are flawed, the increase in pay means increase in work and you rank, and title are tools to get support and resources for your team, if you have to use your authority to get your team accomplish the mission, you’re not a leader you’re a boss (there is a difference). If you want people to follow you as a leader you have to earn their respect and trust and that starts by showing up and being present, create a circle of safety within you team where members are encouraged to dare greatly, set direction and intent for your team that work towards the organization’s and employe’s “why”, then give them the tools and support they need to achieve. Your goal as a leader is not to tell your team what to do, but to give them your direction and intend and let them figure out how to get it done.
Now that we have earned the trust and respect of our team, how do we earn their loyalty and keep them performing at high levels? We are social animals driven by a higher cause or purpose and it is important for us to see the actual impact of our time and effort for our work to have meaning and to motivate us to do better. Take (or make) the opportunity as often as possible to show your people the impact they have on their community and the world buy displaying the thank letters from community members, good news stories in the media, or getting them out in the community to talk with members. I can’t think of anything more impactful to an Emergency Manager than seeing a family who lost their home in a disaster move into their new home that you had a part of making happen, that is impactful especially to a new Emergency Manager. I know we don’t do this job for thankyous or pats on the back, but those tangible results are impactful and can get us through the hard times.
Simply put leadership is caring and empathy not just while you’re at work but all the time, it’s an all-day everyday commitment to human beings. Leadership is not about doing less, it’s a responsibility to do more. A leader’s responsibility is great and not meant for everyone, too many times people get into positions of leadership not willing to make personal sacrifices to lead and the results are disastrous. As Emergency Managers we are inherently leaders (no matter what level you work at) and we must lead down, up, across and beyond, so please take your position seriously. Our teams are not always organic so our team building, and leadership skills need to be fluid to quickly develop safe and productive teams, but luckily for us we work with some of the most professional leaders on earth, first responders.
We all are the products of leaders good and bad, so I challenge you to be the leader you wish you had, or as my Squad Leader told me when I became a Team Leader be the leader your mom would want you to have.
Take Aways
Emergency Managers are leaders, when it is time to lead except your role and fulfill the responsibilities of the role. Be fully engaged and put the needs of those in your charge before your own.
Lead with empathy and look after your people understand their why and ensure they have what they need to succeed professionally and personally.
Employees are human beings with biological chemical responses, understand theirs and yours.
Create a safe environment within your organization that inspires bold action, understanding that those actions may sometimes fall short and that’s ok.