4 Qualities Can Make You a #GoldenLeader

What does it take to be a conscious, #GoldenLeader in today’s modern business world?

Two of our founders, Arch and Susannah, served in the Marine Corps, where they led teams both in and out of combat. They learned that especially when lives are on the line, it takes powerful leadership qualities to stay grounded during times of crisis, while also creating a place of compassionate growth for their people.

Here are a few of the priceless characteristics they learned while serving:

1. Grit. The definition of “grit” in the dictionary is “courage and resolve; strength of character,” (and if you look it up on Google, the subext is “he displayed the true grit of the navy pilot”…how’s that for an example?). Leaders in the military, whether officers or enlisted, learn how to have courage and resolve from hours spent in extreme situations, the constant “hurry up and wait” that instills deep patience and the ability to withstand discomfort for hours, days, or months at a time.
2. Resilience. Along with grit, the ability to “bounce back” from tough times is a required skill in the military. Whether it be transitioning between duty stations every 2-3 years, recovering from injuries, or making the shift to the civilian world, servicemembers and veterans have built up a high level of resilience to life’s obstacles. If you want to learn more about veteran resilience as it relates to PTSD and transition, check out Dr. Shauna Springer’s fantastic new book Warrior.
3. Servant Leadership. In the Marine Corps, officers are always expected to eat last and the “lowest ranking” Marine eats first. This defines the spirit of leaders serving their people, rather than the other way around. Arch started his working career as a busboy at restaurants and 50 years later, has “served” his way to representing top clients in the hospitality industry, embodying a servant leader mindset from start to finish.
4. Leading by Example. They say “to be it, you must first see it.” From the very moment you stand on the yellow footprints or take the Oath of Office, the military expects every member to personally uphold values like honor, courage and commitment. This means that each member operates with integrity, so they can lead their teams from a place of authenticity, rather than just position. Remember, you have to #BeTheChange you want to see!

How do you practice these qualities as a team leader? Take 10 minutes today to reflect on one of these characteristic, to discover how you can become a #GoldenLeader tomorrow.

Susannah Stokes is the President and CEO of DOUNTO, Inc., a leadership development organization that provides 1:1 Leadership Coaching, Team Workshops, Corporate Diversity & Anti-Discrimination Training. She is a former Marine Corps Captain, a graduate of the US Naval Academy and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. She is dedicated to helping leaders Be the Change they wish to see in the world, by living and leading by The Golden Rule.