General George Smith Patton Jr. served as a senior officer in the United States Army in World War II and helped lead the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Known for his courage and candor, Patton taught young platoon leaders strategies for empowering and directing their men.
Rather than painting the picture of a military mastermind plotting formations in a tent, Patton charged his platoon leaders to lead from the front. He encouraged them to stand before their men in the face of danger as a means to motivate them to move.
On one of these occasions, Patton said, “You young lieutenants have to realize that your platoon is like a piece of spaghetti. You can’t push it. You have to get out in front of it and pull it.”
Can you imagine the weight of this call and responsibility? When bullets are flying, when explosions are shaking the earth, when men are falling to the ground around you, you are asked to move out front. The general tells you to step forward, into the line of fire, in front of lower ranking reports.
When leaders are willing to stand up and step out front, it’s more than just their physical presence that makes a difference. The physical position creates a mental and emotional motivation that inspires others to follow. A leader who is willing to step out front not only shows others what to do, but they are actually helping others find the will do it.
Isn’t this what the world is looking for? So many people are looking for leaders who will show us what needs to be done and inspire us to move.
Individuals who lead from the front inspire people to follow them. These leaders don’t just coax others or conjure up emotion to get them to stand behind the cause, rather they help people believe in the cause by showing that they are personally passionate about it.
Although General Patton’s charge is focused on leadership in war, leading out front is important to all aspects of our personal and professional lives.
The business executive that leads out front goes the extra mile at work. Her passion is apparent, and she inspires her colleagues to follow her leadership.
The dad that leads out front models integrity and humility. His actions encourage his children to do the same.
The football player that leads out front shows up first to practice and hustles the entire time. His team is motivated and performs better because of his example.
The church member that leads out front is the one that is the first to talk to the new family sitting in the back row of the sanctuary. Other church members are reminded not by what someone tells them to do, but by what they see.
It’s easy to wish someone else would step up and show the way. Instead of looking to others to lead, look in the mirror. What if you’re the leader that others have been waiting on? Your willingness to get out front might just inspire others around you to do something great.
Are you willing to lead out front in your professional and personal life?
Think of one simple but strong way you can lead out front this week. Once you’ve thought of it, take a step out. The world is waiting for you.
