Every job I've ever had, I wound up in a leadership position. Not that I've ever asked for.
Started when I was working in demolition, and we'd have small teams of temps come in for certain larger jobs. I'd be the guy put in charge of these temp teams, and most of these men were twice my age or older. Felt weird telling them what to do, but I had a job to do and it involved telling them what to do.
In the military I was billeted squad leader in boot camp, could've been guide but I refused it.
This trend followed me everywhere I go. I guess I'm easy to get along with, I'm very reasonable- I'll never demand a full 8-10 hours out of a person if they got their job done correctly. If they did all of their duties, had nothing else going on in the day, I might ask 'em to straighten up a little and take the rest of the day. If your job was fucked up, you're staying until it's un-fucked. It's remarkable how quickly this unofficial policy of mine got rid of fuck-ups.
Isn't it said that a reluctant leader often makes the best? I forget where I heard this first, but I know George Washington is put forth as an example of this. A natural-born leader of men, according to almost all sources. The man just had a presence and manner that made other men respect him. I don't think I have all that. Shit, that sounds like a pretty sweet life... people begging you to become their tyrant after fighting a war to get rid of a different tyrant... hard to not get a big ego after that eh?
Appreciate you sharing a bit of your life and leadership stories. You're a good dude.
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