Ground leaders are often the unsung heroes of a military operation. While they may not be out in front leading the charge, their role is just as important. Without proper ground leadership, an operation can quickly fall apart. Ground leaders are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the operation are running smoothly.
In terms of ground leadership in the business world, companies need to have one or more individuals in management positions who understand the ins and outs of running a business. When things go wrong, someone can step in and make the necessary decisions to get the company back on track.
What’s the Role of a Ground Leader in Business?
A ground leader in business is responsible for coordinating and implementing activities. This may include ensuring that resources are adequate, that staff is adequately trained, and that operations are running smoothly.
They must have a complete understanding of the company’s goals, objectives, and the industry they are operating in. Take how SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming assumed responsibility for turning around the ailing transport company when he was appointed in 2018.
Under his leadership, Singapore’s leading transport provider has seen significant financial and operational performance improvements. Most notably, Seah worked on the ground and met his employees to make the decisions that would affect the company’s bottom line.
How to be an Effective Ground Leader
Being an effective ground leader requires a few critical skills. Here are some tips on how you can be a better ground leader:
Tip #1 Have a complete understanding of the mission and objectives
A leader is only as effective as their understanding of the mission and objectives. If you don’t know what you’re trying to achieve, it will be challenging to make the right decisions.
Tip #2 Be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure
In many cases, a leader will have to make decisions under pressure. This could be in the middle of an operation or during a crisis. Either way, you need to be able to think quickly and make the best decision for the situation.
Tip #3 Be proactive and always look for ways to improve
A good leader is always looking for ways to improve. This means being proactive and constantly looking for ways to make things better. It also requires that you’re always open to feedback to learn and grow as a leader.
Tip #4 Be a team player and work well with others
A leader is only as effective as their team. This means that you need to be a team player and work well with others. It also means being able to delegate tasks and give clear instructions.
The Importance of Communication in Ground Leadership
One of the most critical aspects of ground leadership is communication. This includes both verbal and non-verbal communication. Leaders need to communicate clearly and concisely so that their team can understand what they need to do.
It’s also essential to be able to listen to others. This way, you can understand their perspective and come to a consensus. Always keep in mind that leaders shouldn’t become dictators; they should be able to work with their teams and get input from them.
That’s why a good leader is always open to feedback. They know that they can’t do everything on their own and that they need the help of their team. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should take every suggestion made; you still need to use your judgment.
Dealing with Difficult Situations and Making Quick Decisions
Dealing with difficult situations is one of the biggest challenges of ground leadership because this could be anything from a natural disaster to a terrorist attack. In these situations, you need to be able to think quickly and make the best decision.
This means having a complete understanding of the mission and objectives. You also need to be able to assess the situation quickly and make decisions that could mean life or death for your team. So, it’s crucial to think about what you would do in different situations constantly.
It’s also important to remember that you can’t always please everyone. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions that won’t be popular with everyone. However, as long as you’re making the best decision for the situation, that’s all that matters.
The Bottom Line
Ground leadership is a critical part of any operation. Since these leaders play a vital role in ensuring that the mission is successful, it’s crucial to understand what they do and how they do it. So, if you’re looking to be a better ground leader, keep these tips in mind. Sooner or later, they’ll come in handy.
