Tips for new leaders

One fine day, the brave and newly commissioned young ship captain Smith and his crew of sailors were sailing the ocean blue. Suddenly, on the horizon, there loomed a ship with a skull and crossbones raised on the mast.

The crew was frantic, seeking refuge and asking the captain what to do.

The young leader, Captain Smith, displayed remarkable bravery and quick thinking. After looking at the approaching ship momentarily, he calmly said, “Bring me my red shirt.”

A cabin boy took the call at once. Captain Smith ordered the man at the wheel to head straight for the pirate ship when he had the shirt. In the ensuing fight, the pirate ship was all but destroyed. The sailors recounted their triumphs afterward when someone asked Captain Smith why he had asked for his red shirt before the battle.

The crew’s response was met with newfound admiration. They talked all night about his bravery and leadership, realizing the importance of his actions. About a week later, 10 pirate ships loomed on the horizon. Once again, the crew looked to its captain for leadership. Calmly, Captain Smith said, “Boys, bring me my brown pants!”

I think something will happen to him that this young leader would not want his crew to see. Imagine yourself in the shoes of the brave and newly commissioned young ship captain Smith. You are young and capable and your future looks bright. How would you maximize your potential and level up your leadership capability? Here are a few ideas, including suggested action plans, that you might find valuable and helpful, inspired by the leadership journey of Captain Smith.

Be humble and embrace continuous learning. Listen to diverse perspectives and be open to constructive criticism. You have countless opportunities to sharpen your leadership skills every day. Attend professional development workshops, courses and training programs to enhance leadership skills. Seek mentorship from experienced leaders who can provide guidance and insights based on their experiences. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices through reading, networking and attending conferences.

Build strong relationships. To build trust and rapport, foster open and transparent