“The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
Leadership, like the facets of a finely cut diamond, encompasses a number of behaviours, attitudes, and responses. The beauty of leadership lies not just in its static qualities, but in its ability to adapt and transform based on circumstance. Within this spectrum, there’s a duality that every entrepreneur should recognize: ‘Peacetime’ and ‘Wartime’ leadership.
Steve Jobs was a maverick, renowned for pushing boundaries and fostering innovation. In the calm waters of Apple’s early days, his ‘Peacetime’ leadership was evident. He nurtured a culture of creativity, encouraged risk-taking, and was instrumental in guiding the brand towards groundbreaking products. He inspired his teams, challenged the status quo, and laid the foundation for Apple’s future innovations.
However, Apple’s journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. When faced with turbulence – from fierce competition, internal conflicts, or market downturns – Jobs donned a different hat. His ‘Wartime’ leadership showed up. During these periods, Jobs was known to make bold, sometimes controversial decisions, often pushing his teams to the brink. He took aggressive stances against competitors, pivoted business strategies rapidly, and wasn’t afraid to disrupt even his products. This was a leader who, when the storm raged, stood firm at the helm, navigating with unyielding resolve.
Leadership isn’t one-dimensional. While the tranquility of ‘Peacetime’ allows for growth, exploration, and expansion, the urgencies of ‘Wartime’ demand quick decisions, courage, and often, an iron will.
Action Step: Reflect on your leadership journey. Can you recall moments when you transitioned between ‘Peacetime’ and ‘Wartime’ leadership? Analyze those transitions. Were they fluid? Did they serve your business’s needs? Aim to cultivate a nimble leadership style that can adapt to a changing landscape.
To learn more about mastering these leadership styles, be sure to check out our book of the week “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz.