In 1920, Lincoln C. Andrews published "Manpower" – a loose field guide created to quickly train many inexperienced men for leadership roles after World War I. The book contained dozens of forthright leadership principles, many of which I believe could serve this century's new and existing leaders equally well, regardless of gender.

​

We again find ourselves shook by a pandemic, threats to democracy, and a renewed urgency to quickly train a significant number of people for new and ongoing leadership roles. Not to put us on a war footing, though future battles are likely, but to remind us of the central tenets and benefits of good and effective leadership, particularly in defense of democracy, and literally, saving the world.

​

Five Central Tenets:

1. Stay creative.
2. Have ingenuity in helping others become more efficient.
3. Build a stronger character.
4. Have a higher purpose.
5. Improve our democratic institutions.

​

Add to this, six leadership fundamentals.

​

Leadership Fundamentals:

1. The realization that every individual has a deep-seated desire to maintain their self-respect and be recognized by those around them.
2. Effective leadership is not autocratic. We are citizens of a democracy. If we wish to sustain it, we need people to be self-respecting, self-thinking, responsible, and capable of making and acting upon educated decisions.
3. Character counts. Personal character is essential to successful leaders. Keep your word, act with fairness, value human rights, and allow others to grow and develop.
4. People require self-control and self-discipline to consciously form positive, productive habits. Self-control is fatiguing compared to your nature; therefore, leadership must appeal to people's better instincts if one hopes to be successful.
5. It is crucial to remember that a leader is neither a savior nor a dictator. An effective leader learns the pulse and passions of those they lead, not through force, but superior preparation, experience, and ability. Swollen egos, pomp, and vainglory ruin new leaders.
6. A leader must be genuine. As a leader, you must appreciate your personality and the positive or negative effect it has on your team. You must be true to yourself, not an imitation of someone else.

​

Effective leadership is not a birthright; it is a chosen lifestyle that transcends paychecks and your life within an organization. It is about responsibility, fairness, and character. 'Welcome to Leadership' adapts century-old wisdom for today's new leaders because a renewed investment in good leadership is paramount to successfully meeting the onerous tests which lousy leadership has unfortunately left for us to urgently address over the next few years. The simple cure-all solutions offered by some are a pipe dream; we must all quit looking for the easy way out and instead get down to work. We must act as happy warriors, working efficiently, finding joy and satisfaction in the accomplishments of our goals, not in rhetoric or empty promises. You will play a positive role if you prepare to lead.

​

The above is from the introduction of my forthcoming book, "Welcome to Leadership" which will be out later this year. If you'd like to stay up to date on when it becomes available click here.

​

Thank you,

​

-Karl

​

​

​

P.S. If you like Karl Bimshas Consulting, or the tools we produce to help busy professionals manage better and lead well, we'd appreciate a Google Review. You can do that here => https://g.page/r/CbtQbOMKy2LFEAI/review​

​

​

​

ABOUT KARL BIMSHAS CONSULTING

Karl Bimshas Consulting, the results-driven leadership development and accountability consulting firm specializing in helping busy professionals increase their levels of confidence and support and decrease their levels of indecision or doubt by focusing on their purpose, values, and strengths to maximize their leadership potential.

​

​

​

​

​