To Lead, to Excel, to Overcome

“To lead, to excel, to overcome.” What do these words mean to you? I remember first shouting these words out loud while standing with a platoon of cadets in OCS. Initially, the phrase didn’t resonate with me. But as the days went on during my tough training in OCS, the words meant more and more. In fact, everytime I shouted it, it made my hair stand and heart swell with pride. Even now when I think back, it still gives me similar emotions.

BTW, this phrase is the mission statement of Officer Cadet School. I always felt that these words explained the true meaning of leadership. One might say that leadership is simply influence. But I reckon that the influence aspect in leadership comes together with excellent personal behaviours by overcoming ourselves. I have met charismatic leaders who can easily get droves of men and women to do what they want but the charisma can only last so long. Once your team members see that you’re only form and no substance, your team will leave, one by one, or in droves, similar in the way they entered.

In our mundane lives, how many of us take stock and reflect on where we are heading as a society or as an individual? Are we attempting to stretch ourselves to our fullest potential or are we living in our comfort zones? Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong in remaining in one’s comfort zone. For the latter, “to lead, to excel, to overcome” will certainly not apply. “To stay, to stay and to stay” would probably be their mantra.

“To lead, to excel, to overcome” will only apply to leaders who stretch themselves and their team members. One might ask “Why does the leader need his followers to be stretched? Isn’t stretching himself sufficient?”

I beg to differ. A leader cannot be indispensable. If he makes himself indispensable, his team is doomed from Day 1. Some managers like to be in total control – Everything needs to be reported and no decision can be made without his/her consent. What happens when the manager goes on leave or long-term MC? Oops.

I believe that real leaders should be training their team members to lead and stretch themselves to their fullest potential. Some team members might not want to be stretched and want to remain in their comfort zone. But I have personally witnessed the power of positive team dynamics and how the cohesiveness of a team can push a not-too-motivated team member to stretch himself/herself.

The multiplier effect of a motivated and cohesive team of leaders, coupled with their great leader’s vision, I can imagine, are the ’stuff’ that legends are made of! One of my missions is to create this multiplier effect in as many places as possible. But first, I’m on my journey of personal development…

What about you? Please share.