Questions a Leader Should Always Ask Himself

September 26, 2006

General Douglas MacArthur developed a list of questions to guide him in his leadership duties. It is our expectation that as people in leadership go through their journey’s here that they would use this as their guide.

• Do I heckle the members of my team or strengthen and encourage them?

• Do I use moral courage in getting rid of members of my team who have proven themselves beyond doubt to be unfit? Have I done all in my power by encouragement, incentive and spur to salvage the weak and erring?

• Do I know by NAME and CHARACTER a maximum number of members of my team for whom I am responsible? Do I know them intimately?
• Am I thoroughly familiar with the technique, necessities, objectives and administration of my job?
• Do I lose my temper at individuals?
• Do I act in such a way as to make the members of my team WANT to follow me?
• Do I delegate tasks that should be mine?
• Do I arrogate everything to myself and delegate nothing?
• Do I develop the members of my team by placing on each one as much responsibility as he can stand?
• Am I interested in the personal welfare of each of the members of my team, as if he were a member of my family?
• Have I the calmness of voice and manner to inspire confidence, or am I inclined to sarcasm and excitability?
• Am I a constant example to the members of my team in character, dress, deportment and courtesy?
• Am I inclined to be nice to my superiors and mean to the members of my team?
• Is my door open to the members of my team?
• Do I think more of POSITION than JOB?
• Do I correct a member of my team in front of others?

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