Colonel Candid

As we reflect on this Memorial Day, a day to solemnly remember those who died in active military service, I’d like to share the memory of my sister-in-arms Lieutenant Colonel Jaimie E. Leonard. Sisters-in-arms, not a common phrase uttered too often outside of a small circle of women who serve but one worth highlighting and explaining. Of those serving in the Army today, approximately 14% are women. When Jaimie and I attended West Point together women made up just slightly above ten percent of the Corps of Cadets. Of those women who continued serving past our initial obligation the percentage of women serving fell into single digits and the small circle of sisters-in-arms formed an even stronger bond. Ja imie and I last spoke in 2011 when she was serving in Afghanistan. We were both military intelligence officers and we combined work efforts to ensure the success of a critical mission. In a field where time is always of the essence, we had little time to reminisce, but we caught up on...

As you grow and lead a few direct reports or a group of employees, work to surround yourself with talent. It’s great to work with smart and engaged people. What happens when one or tow of those people are real rock stars? It’s great that you’re humble enough to recognize the luck you have to lead them. Here’s your opportunity to grow, as a leader, as well. Back when I was less of a Candid Colonel and more of a doe eyed Lieutenant my first job was to lead a phenomenal group of 27 skilled Soldiers with highly technical skills. Here I was, a political science major, leading people with a depth of knowledge in radio frequency wave and signals intercept. One employee even had a degree in physics! I was so out of my comfort zone. Yet just like you now, there’s true opportunity in this. First by recognizing the genius you have in front of you, this is a great time to work to develop their talent. From your perch you can see a broader scope. You’ll recognize the interplay and areas where ...