A Leadership Primer: 6 Key Insights for Effective Leadership 🚀
In October 2024, I had the pleasure of touring Europe with my wife Kristy for 5 weeks. Our primary reason for going was to see where my grandfather, Arthur Dixon, fought in World War 1. He mostly fought on the Western Front in the Somme area, which while in Canada it is regarded as the birthplace of the nation, for Australia, Gallipoli is considered the nation’s birthplace. I find this rather strange as Gallipoli was a massive failure, while the Somme was a success for Australia (despite the millions of casualties) with big wins such as the Battle of Villers-Brittoneux. It meant we read a lot about warfare, which got me thinking about military tactics and I wondered how Australia taught officers about leadership.
I found an excellent resource on Leadership in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) which can be found here: ADF Leadership Doc
I thought the publication was perfect! On the ball in every way and matches my aim as a leader to a tea. I liked it so much that I simplified the first few chapters that were most relevant as a leadership primer, removing the military language and it can be found here:
What I was thrilled to learn was that the ADF’s leadership style is not authoritative or dictatorial. While this is necessary in battle, in day-to-day operations, they take a more affiliative style – exactly how I prefer to handle rough times (battle) and operations!
It highlighted for me very clearly that Leadership is more than just giving orders—it’s about inspiring, guiding, and influencing others toward a common goal.
So what truly makes a great leader? The “Primer on Leadership” offers valuable insights into the essence of leadership and how it differs from management or command.
Below are six key takeaways that can help you develop strong leadership skills and adapt to different situations.
1️⃣ Leadership is About Ethical Influence 🏆
At its core, leadership is about influencing others ethically and gaining their willing consent to pursue a shared mission. True leaders don’t rely on fear or authority—they inspire trust and commitment.
💡 Key takeaway: Influence should be earned, not forced. Build trust and inspire people to follow you willingly.
2️⃣ Leadership is Both Personal & Contextual 🎭
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Effective leadership depends on who you are and the context in which you lead.
🔹 A leader in a startup may need to be flexible and hands-on.
🔹 A leader in a military unit may need to be decisive and authoritative.
💡 Key takeaway: Adapt your leadership style based on the people, environment, and situation you’re in.
3️⃣ Great Leaders Master Different Leadership Styles 🎴
Effective leaders don’t stick to just one leadership style—they switch between multiple approaches depending on the situation. Here are four major leadership styles, represented by the suits of a deck of cards:
♠️ Authoritative – Setting a clear vision and direction, making decisive calls.
♥️ Democratic – Encouraging collaboration and valuing team input.
♣️ Affiliative – Building strong emotional connections within the team.
♦️ Coaching – Investing in long-term development and growth.
💡 Key takeaway: Flexibility is power—learn when to lead with authority, when to listen, and when to coach.
4️⃣ Leadership Has Two Main Functions ⚖️
Leadership isn’t just about people—it’s also about strategy. A leader must balance two critical functions:
👥 Leading People – Motivating and guiding individuals toward success.
🏢 Leading the Organization – Ensuring strategic goals, processes, and structures are in place.
💡 Key takeaway: A great leader balances interpersonal leadership with organizational direction.
5️⃣ Leadership is Not the Same as Command or Management 🔄
Many people confuse leadership, command, and management, but they are not the same:
- Command 🔹 Based on authority, often in military or emergency situations.
- Management 🔹 Focuses on processes, organization, and efficiency.
- Leadership 🔹 Inspires and influences people toward a shared vision.
💡 Key takeaway: Leadership is about inspiring and empowering, not just giving orders or managing resources.
6️⃣ Leadership is a Relational Process 🤝
A leader does not exist in isolation—their success depends on their followers and the environment they operate in. Leadership is an ongoing relationship-building process where:
✔️ Leaders must listen and respond to followers.
✔️ Context shapes the leader’s role and decisions.
✔️ Voluntary commitment is what makes leadership effective.
💡 Key takeaway: Leadership is about relationships, not just titles—the best leaders create strong, trust-based connections.
✨ Final Thoughts: Leadership is a Journey, Not a Destination
Becoming an effective leader takes self-awareness, adaptability, and continuous learning. By understanding these six key leadership insights, you can develop the skills to inspire others, adapt to challenges, and lead with confidence.
I encourage you to read the Primer on Leadership more closely. It might be the best revision of your leadership skills you ever do!