The opinions expressed herein are my personal opinions and in no way represent the US Military.
I recently read a good post by Mark Cuban on start up companies. In passing Mark talks about empire builders (rule 7) and how they pollute a company. This comment caused me to recall what MAJ Antal told me as I was preparing to go to Afghanistan, “You go to war with the Army you have, not the Army you wish you had.”
In simple terms, real leaders develop the employees they have as opposed to attempting to rid themselves of troublesome workers. In a combat environment your life as a leader literally depends upon how well you have developed those around you. In business your success hinges on the same concept.
No one enjoys operating in an environment where they are constantly wondering which list they are on. If you begin the process of leadership with the understanding that everyone is staying; the mindset that accompanies this line of thought encourages a true leader to constantly improve and develop those around them.
A fake leader who summarily decides to rid themselves of certain people unknowingly pollutes the environment for all at that workplace. Their intention is to run off the bad apples; however, the result is the entire basket begins to rot. This type of kingdom/empire building truly pollutes the entire workplace and will kill productivity and the bottom line. Ultimately it will cause the good apples to leave the basket as they can no longer tolerate the smell.
Whether in business or the military; go to war with the army you have, not the one you wish you had!
