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Stormin' Norman's "Big Five"

This Week's Theme: Becoming a Coach

Wednesday, February 28

Key Bible Verse: "[W]herever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be" (2 Samuel 15:21b)

Bonus Reading: Philippians 4:9

Norman Schwarzkopf was promoted to division commander early in his career, and he searched for an effective leadership plan to equip him for his new role. He came up with what he describes as the "Big Five" principles of leadership.

Here are General Schwarzkopf's "Big Five:"

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Make sure my division is combat ready.

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Take care of the soldiers.

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Take care of the soldiers' families.

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Encourage and develop loyalty from one soldier to the other.

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Mentor my subordinates as I have been mentored.

Stormin' Norman had learned what motivated soldiers to fight. Cohesiveness and camaraderie, the general realized, were absolutely necessary among the troops. The focus of mentoring was to develop a high standard of ethics among his people.

These same principles that worked for the general during the military action in the Gulf War can be applied to our relationships with people in our workplace, home and church. We too, must focus on people—preparing them, equipping them, caring for them and their families, encouraging a cohesiveness among them, and mentoring them.

—Jess Gibson in Coaching Champions

Response:

What's your "big five"? Take time to create your own leadership principles.

Thought to Apply:

If you command wisely, you will be obeyed cheerfully.

Thomas Fuller (English chaplain, 17th century)

Adapted from Coaching Champions (New Leaf, 1993).

Inspiration from www.christianitytoday.com