General Advice, Episode 4

My father, General Chick Cleveland, has given some great advice over his 92 years, and I am sharing some of it here on my blog in small doses. I hope it means as much to you as it does to me!

Today’s selection is very leadership oriented. Daddy is one of the best leaders I know. He listens, motivates, advises, gives credit, and most of all, values those he works with. Because of these things, his people want to work for him and with him, and as a team they get stuff done!

See the big picture – One of my favorite stories about Daddy is one where he was flying over an air force base, taking in the landscape view. As a fighter pilot, his training was very specialized and concerned with preparing for and completing each mission. To him, however, his mission in the air had a much larger context. He looked out the window of his jet, and his heart swelled with pride.  He saw all the support structures and commands represented by the buildings and knew the people inside worked together to create the big picture, including keeping his jet in the air. Looking over the base, he had a full sense of what it took to run the best military in the world and exclaimed, “This is my Air Force!”

Be forward thinking, plan with foresight – It is important to plan, but plan with the future in mind.  It’s not enough to think about the decision at hand, think about how it is going to affect every other decision and how the future will unfold because of it.  Be broad in your vision.  See more than just yourself and your immediate interests.   

Plan your route – Daddy always unfolded the map on the dining room table where the light was good and where he could benefit most from the magnifying glass’ brightening effect.  He had a pencil and a red pen to mark his destination and his route, with the mileage written in the margins.  He never went anywhere by the seat of his pants.  He had a plan and knew exactly how long each trip would take and where we would stop along the way.  Whether it was a new friend’s home or a road-trip vacation, he performed this same ritual. 

Be decisive – Choose what you want and make it known.  Never be afraid to make a decision.  It may not be the best decision ever, but don’t back down, don’t waffle, and don’t hover in ambiguity.  When someone asks you what you want, tell them.  Don’t answer with a question, “well what do you want?” Don’t try to figure out what the consensus is, just answer plainly.  And if you are given a choice between two and you want both, say so.

Commit and follow through – When someone asks you to do something, anything, if you commit to it, follow through.  Don’t be mamby-pamby or squirrelly.  Commit if you can.  If you can’t, say so.  If you don’t want to, sometimes it’s just the right thing to do.  Once you commit, do it.  All the way.  If something better comes along, too bad.  Honor your commitments.  It’s a matter of integrity.  Even when it comes to going to ball games, Daddy would stay – winning or losing – to the very end.   Every time. 

Be on time and stay to the end – Part of honoring your commitments is being punctual.  If people are counting on you, they are counting on you at a certain time.  Do not let them down.  Stay till the fat lady sings.  It’s a reflection of your loyalty and commitment. 

Be very involved with your people – Wherever Daddy was stationed, he quickly gained a reputation for being engaged and involved.  He joined team sporting events, went to family picnics, attended staff parties, and made his people feel like he was glad to be one of them. 

Research and know your people – When Daddy went to a party he would have Mother quiz him on who would be there.  Who were they married to?  Who did they work for? What was their position?  How were they connected?  It is important to know your people. 

Show great appreciation; never let someone think they are being taken for granted – You should see Daddy when someone has gone out of their way to bring him something homemade.  He oohs and ahs more than anyone I know.  He relishes each morsel.  He turns it over in his hands to admire its beauty.  He savors the essence of it because there has been real effort involved.  He will stuff himself when he’s not even hungry to show his appreciation.  He doesn’t want you to think what you have done goes unnoticed.  Your effort makes him feel special, so he wants you to feel special.  It’s amazing. 

Communicate; tell others what is going on – The number one breakdown in both planning and execution is lack of communication. Tell everyone what you are going to do as a group, then after you’ve done it, tell everyone what you did as a group. Most importantly tell them why, so they can buy into it. Once everyone is on the same page, it is much easier to facilitate the strategy and eliminate confusion. This is for everything, from cooking breakfast to changing corporate policy. 

Choose carefully the people you want to be with – Daddy has never been one for social climbing.  He chooses his companions based on great integrity, loyalty and generosity, both of spirit and means.  Those are the people he loves.  He does not align himself with those who are petty, political or naysayers.  He is a careful companion. 

Be loyal – Your people are the most important asset you have. If you treat them well, remember them, make them a priority, stick with them even when they’re being jerks, you let them know you are a friend who can be trusted. Be there when they need you because you have committed to them. And one day, you may need them. 

Give back to your community – Daddy is a big believer that once you receive, you should give back, and we all receive so much from our communities.  He has been the progenitor of many groups in our community that have done amazing things from feeding the homeless, to drug education, to promoting inclusion.  He has led local and national groups that are part of his personal community from the food bank to world affairs.  He promotes the Arts, sports and scouting – you name it.  He believes in giving back, and wouldn’t this world be a better place if we all did!