2. Be Technically and Tactically Proficient

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." — John C. Maxwell

In his book "Thunderbirds: Leadership Lessons from the Hottest Unit in the U.S. Army," Tom Deierlein outlines 11 Timeless Principles of Leadership, one of which is "Be technically and tactically proficient."[1]

This principle emphasizes the significance of having a deep understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of one's job in order to effectively lead and guide others. Being technically proficient entails having a solid grasp of the instruments, machinery, and procedures employed in one's field.

A leader can then successfully mentor and train their team members as well as diagnose and resolve any issues that could emerge. A technically adept leader would, for instance, have a thorough knowledge of weaponry and combat strategies, enabling them to successfully guide their men throughout a conflict. On the other side, tactical proficiency describes the capacity to decide quickly and correctly under pressure. This is crucial in the military since lives are at stake and decisions need to be made promptly and wisely.

A tactically adept leader has the flexibility to respond quickly and decisively in the interests of their team and objective. A leader must always work to increase their knowledge and abilities in order to be competent both technically and strategically. This can be accomplished by seeking out mentors and learning from seasoned leaders, as well as by continuing your education and training. Being technically and tactically adept not only enables a leader to effectively guide and manage their team, but it also inspires the team members' trust in their leader's ability to make sound decisions.

All in all, technical and tactical proficiency is critical for any leader since it allows them to effectively manage and guide their team while also instilling confidence in their team members. It applies to all leadership roles, including those in businesses, non-profits, and other groups, not just those in the military. It need constant learning and development to stay current and adjust to a changing environment.

______ [1] 11 timeless principles of leadership (US army 1948). (n.d.). Academy Leadership | Developing Leaders Who Deliver Results. https://www.academyleadership.com/news/201406.asp?fbclid=IwAR2IeDbfZfjUGdtmTzoRNxPxbII1N9UPbCdGyWn3yY6dbt1fFc4ynb1sqUw