We are fortunate at Target Training, we get to work with some brilliant people and recently we have been working with some aircrew from Qatar.  They are helicopter crewman and pilots who are involved in areas such as search and rescue operations.  The crew are thoroughly professional and are made up of two rear crew, a pilot and a captain.

It is the Captain I want to talk to you about today.  We will call the individual concerned, Captain Jazz because that’s what we have been calling him over the past two weeks.  What I have been so impressed with his Captain Jazz’s brilliant leadership style particularly his ability to lead by example.

The crew respect Captain Jazz that is evident to see, they listen to him and most of all, follow him. What is more apparent is how Captain Jazz leads by example and I wanted to share with you what I have observed with how he does this exceptionally well.

He doesn’t hide behind his rank – people follow him because of his natural leadership style not because of his rank or status.  Once you understand this makes it easier to get, people to follow you.

He makes sure he’s vulnerable – the course we have been delivering requires individuals to step up to the plate and potentially make mistakes for others to see.  Many leaders shy away from this as they believe if they make mistakes they are weak.  The reality is the opposite and individuals support leaders who put themselves in this position.

He sets standards - He has worked hard and put in significant efforts and therefore has set standards others have to follow.

He encourages the team – he communicates to the team and supports the team to work together.  He doesn’t tell he facilitates decisions and gets the group to buy into this decision.  He does this by controlled communication; he isn’t loud, he is in control and communicates with authority.

I have been so impressed with Captain Jazz, he has represented not only his organisation he works for in a favourable light but the role of leader in a favourable light also. An excellent example for his crew to follow and an excellent model for all leaders to follow.  Be like Captain Jazz and lead by example.

Ralph Moody is the founder of Target Training and specialises in trainer and management development.  You can read more about him here.  To see courses where Ralph delivers see our website here.