Leadership in Action: In Focus - Leadership Styles - Comparing Military and Business Leaders

BUILDING COMMITMENT

I would like to close by pointing out that, of course, business is not war. I object to military terminology being used in the corporate context. It trivializes the military vocabulary and debases the conduct of business. That said, obviously there remain lessons from the military and the battlefield that are useful in leadership within the nonmilitary world. It is tempting to say that behaviors of prompt decision making or overwhelming charisma are the key lessons. But we know it is more sophisticated. Building essential, informed commitment to the organization, a commitment that can sustain creative independent action, is the secret ingredient and the true legacy of great leaders.

Editor's note: This article is adapted ...