Why You Need to Be Willing to Take the Heat If You Want to Be a Leader (And How That Makes You a Better Leader)
When I was younger, I had the opportunity to lead a large group of my peers.
I had been looking forward to the chance and did everything I could to take full advantage of it when I got it.
We were mobilizing a large group of about seventy people and I had to organize sub-groups that would each handle their own tasks while working together towards a common goal.
I worked as hard as anyone, did what I felt was right, and everything seemed to be going great.
And then they weren’t... and then it was my fault... because I was the leader.
It wasn’t until later that I realized what had happened. Being a leader means taking responsibility, even if it’s not your fault. In order for you to succeed as a leader, you don’t need to succeed – your team does.
When you're in a leadership role, you can never please all of the people all of the time. There's also a lot of responsibility that goes along with it that others may not realize.– Joyce Meyer
Just as conflict often requires sacrifice to succeed, a leader needs to be willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the success of their team. By that, I mean they need to shoulder the blame and take whatever heat comes at them.
Sometimes things go perfectly; sometimes they don’t. But whatever happens, you as leader sign up to take that responsibility beforehand – and can’t change your mind after the fact.
Leadership is exhilarating, and leading other people is as fulfilling as anything else in life, but it’s important that before you jump into a leadership role that you’re fully aware of this important fact.
Why this is important (and how understanding it makes you a better leader)
I don’t say all of this to discourage you. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
If you want to be a great leader, it’s important to know this ahead of time. Not to discourage you, but rather so that you understand what it’s truly like to be placed into a leadership role ahead of time so that you’re better prepared.
When we’re fully prepared ahead of time for something, we perform better. It’s a pretty simple idea that holds true for most things. And in this, it’s no different. By understanding what it truly means to be a leader, a good leader, ahead of time you can prepare yourself in the right way. You know what’s to come and can place yourself in the right state of mind.
When it comes to the military, the move from being a new soldier to taking command is much more natural when compared to other professions once you’ve learned the ropes. This is because the entire philosophy taught is about the team above the individual, the mission above the team.
Your own situation might not be nearly as serious, but no matter what, this principle holds true when it comes to being a leader in anything: it’s your team, and the objective, above your ego.
Go forth and lead (the world needs you)
I have great respect for anyone who wields their leadership role skillfully, both respecting the people they lead and treating them as equals, as well as doing what it takes to properly lead those who follow them.
Being a leader is tough, but if you’re ready and willing to shoulder the responsibility, it’s also very rewarding. Not just by being around like-minded individuals whom you can connect with but also because you help make a real difference in other people’s lives, filling you with a sense of meaning and fulfillment.
If you believe you were meant to lead, go forth and do so. The world needs great leaders more than ever before. Understand what it means to truly lead and you’ll be prepared to do something special in the world that fills you with a sense of purpose like few things can.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.