“Of course, life would be easier if leadership was just a list of simple rules, but paradoxes are in inherent in the trade.” – Jack Welch, former Chairman and CEO of GE

Lord Byron (source: shutterstock)

“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength; and strength is not used rightly when it serves only to carry a man above his fellows for his own solitary glory. He is the greatest whose strength carries up the most hearts by the attraction of his own.”

– Henry Ward Beecher (1813 –1887)

“They’re only truly great who are truly good.” – George Chapman, 1559-1634, English dramatist, translator, and poet; translator of Homer

“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me.” —Isaiah 6:8; “Inscription on the dog tag resting on the flag-draped, homeward-bound casket of an American Special Operations warrior killed in action in Afghanistan, July 2005” – Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

As growing leaders we should eagerly learn from all types of professions and fields. For many, there is no better source than the military. Whether its character, accomplishing a mission, adapting to adversity, selflessness and teamwork, it’s hard to beat the lessons we can learn from the military.