This is not about going to the gym for a workout. Though I will encourage you to do so, this training takes you beyond the health aspect of your physical self, and into the disciplines that were once taught to all men and women of quality: deportment.
Deportment is not a fancy or a snobbish word. “Deportment” simply means “demeanor and behavior.” It’s about not putting your foot in your mouth, socially speaking. It’s about getting over any awkwardness you may have by way of getting your body used to moving in a poised way.
Since the body gets used to everything –oh we are such creatures of habit – that if you don’t train it at all you will get sloppy. Bet on it. But you are not reading this page because your big goal is to become a couch potato. Couch potatoes aren’t leaders. Therefore, when you set out to lead, not only do you have to stand up, you have to move away from the couch. That movement away from the couch is your first act of leadership.
Notice that it started with you becoming proactive on your own behalf.
Body in leadership training means making your flesh and bones behave, so that physically, you move in a manner that bespeaks your own self-control. You want to develop presence so that when you walk into a room crowded with other potential managers you will be noticed as a cut above the rest.
To move well, across the podium or across the room, requires a training regimen that includes the following: * Work on posture, including exercises to improve the body's alignment * Coordinating the attitude with the walk, i.e. “walking the walk.” * Developing a “take charge” handshake * How to stand at the lectern in a powerful manner * Learning to work a crowd from the stage or in the room * Training and practice of the social graces * Dressing the part you wish to play in life
General George S. Patton is a highly controversial figure who was the right leader at the right place at the right time. It had to be destiny! My motto is from Patton’s statement on his approach to battle. “…speed, simplicity, boldness.” I like to say it as “Just do it, don’t clutter it up and do it like it’s never been done before.” The secret to a Patton leadership is the training of his men. Too many times those who would lead take this aspect of command for granted: that their workforce knows the job. People who work for you do need to know what is expected of them. This is not about micromanagement. This is about laying out the game plan and making certain they have the skills to achieve it. After that, it is hands off. For every micro manager out there, I will show you someone who didn’t take the time to teach his workforce.
General George S. Patton is a highly controversial figure who was the right leader at the right place at the right time. It had to be destiny! My motto is from Patton’s statement on his approach to battle. “…speed, simplicity, boldness.” I like to say it as “Just do it, don’t clutter it up and do it like it’s never been done before.” The secret to a Patton leadership is the training of his men. Too many times those who would lead take this aspect of command for granted: that their workforce knows the job. People who work for you do need to know what is expected of them. This is not about micromanagement. This is about laying out the game plan and making certain they have the skills to achieve it. After that, it is hands off. For every micro manager out there, I will show you someone who didn’t take the time to teach his workforce.