Trench leadership styles in the armed forces – and how to use them in business for better results
Big take-away quote from this conversation about trench leadership and leadership styles in the armed forces:
“Just because you handled something one way with a particular person, one time, doesn’t mean that it’s going to work the next time....”
Simon Kardynal, Making Conversations Count (February 2022)
(Hard of hearing? Transcript here).
Strapped for data? You can hear a lower-bandwidth version of the episode here.)
What are trench leadership styles (as used) in the armed forces?
In the early days of trench warfare, officers would lead their troops from the front line. This type of leadership is what is commonly referred to as ‘trench warfare’.
It was a way for commanders to maintain close contact with their men, and provide support and encouragement when needed.
Trench warfare evolved into a more strategic style of fighting, with trenches being dug in strategic locations and the use of artillery.
The trenches would be filled with soldiers, who were protected by barbed wire and walls made out of sand bags or wood.
These trenches were often covered with camouflage netting so that they could not be seen from above ground level.
Pssst!
Without wishing to give you too many spoilers, this episode once again has the power of conversations sitting firmly at its core. It’s unsurprising really. Everything we do in life somehow comes back to effective conversations.
Are you using conversations as part of your strategy in business?
Well, don’t worry – there’s great news!
Wendy‘s currently running a 12 week blueprint programme which outlines her ‘four R formula’.
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