In this episode, we’re digging into the second pillar of the Army’s leadership model: KNOW. Now, this isn’t just military theory—it’s a practical reminder that leadership isn’t about winging it. It’s about showing up prepared, grounded, and equipped. Whether you’re in uniform, running a business, or leading in your home, the principles are the same.
Leadership starts with who you are—your character, your values. That’s the BE. But once you’ve got that foundation, you need to sharpen what you KNOW—the skills and knowledge that make you credible and effective. This is where competence is built, and trust is earned.
To master the “KNOW” side of leadership, you’ve got to build in four key areas:Interpersonal, Conceptual, Technical, and Tactical skills. These aren’t just categories—they’re tools you carry every day. They help you lead with clarity, confidence, and relevance in a fast-changing world. Let’s break them down.
At the heart of leadership is the ability to connect with people. I’m talking about real connection—not just giving orders or checking boxes. This means listening, asking the right questions, and learning what drives the people around you.
If you want to build trust, get out of your office. Walk the floor. Ask your team what matters to them, how their job fits into the bigger picture, and what gets them fired up—or frustrated. People aren’t problems to be solved—they’re relationships to be built. And those relationships? They’re your force multipliers.
Leadership is a thinking game. It requires mental agility—being able to step back, look at the big picture, and make sense of complex, high-stress situations.
This includes critical thinking—spotting your own blind spots and questioning your assumptions. It’s creative thinking—asking, “What if we did this differently?” And it’s sound judgment—the ability to make the hard calls when the pressure’s on. No amount of skill can replace the power of good judgment forged through reflection and experience.
You don’t need to do everyone’s job—but you do need to understand it. You should know the systems, tools, and processes your team relies on. If you're leading a creative team, learn the basics of the software they use. If you oversee logistics, understand how the supply chain actually moves.
When you understand the tools, you earn credibility. And more importantly, you can make better decisions. This technical foundation strengthens your tactical edge.
This is where the rubber meets the road—decision-making in real time, under pressure. Tactical leadership isn’t theory—it’s action. It’s knowing how to move when the path isn’t clear and making calls when there’s no time to phone a friend.
The best way to build tactical skill is through experience—real or simulated. Get into environments where the stakes are high. Test yourself. Learn what it feels like to make decisions when everything’s on the line. Over time, you’ll start recognizing patterns, trusting your instincts, and leading with confidence—even in chaos.
Here’s the deal: competence grows with responsibility. The more people you lead, the more sharpened your skills need to be. You don’t “arrive” as a leader—you keep growing.
So how do you build that growth into your life? Try this:
Seek Feedback – Don’t lead in isolation. Invite input. Ask people you trust, “Where can I grow?”
Study and Reflect – Make reflection a daily practice. Think through decisions. Learn from outcomes.
Master the Tools – Learn your trade. Stay sharp. Stay relevant.
Train Under Pressure – Volunteer for the hard things. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Leadership is preparation. It's not just about knowing what to do—it's about being the kind of leader who’s ready when it counts. When you combine who you are with what you know, you build trust. And when people trust you, they’ll follow you—even when the way forward isn’t clear.
So focus on your KNOW. Stay a student. Keep sharpening your edge. Because leadership isn’t ab
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