The Courage to Take Command: Leadership Lessons from a Military Trailblazer

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ASK FOR A PROMOTION BEFORE YOU’RE READY

There’s a danger in getting comfortable: You won’t ask for more. The more time you spend picking the low-hanging fruit, the less likely you’ll be to stretch yourself and find out what else awaits at the top of the tree.

In 1995, my boss, Army Reserve colonel Ron Bacci, told me about a battalion command position he wanted me to apply for. I jokingly asked him if he was firing me. He said no, but he also told me, “Good leaders push people out when they’re ready for the next stage in their development.” I have tried to keep this advice in mind throughout my career and in developing my team.

Some bosses take it personally when a person wants to leave for advancement. Luckily, Colonel Bacci wasn’t one of ...