In this episode of Command Post Cohort, Craig and Andrew dig into one of the most underrated leadership tools—the one-on-one meeting. Whether you call it a touchpoint, coaching session, or counseling, the title doesn’t matter as much as the intent: authentic conversations that build trust, uncover roadblocks, and develop your people.

They walk through a practical, flexible one-on-one meeting template that leaders can use to support team members, track progress, provide feedback, and align goals. Craig shares lessons from his Army experience, and Andrew tells a story of how one conversation helped unlock a soldier’s potential—leading to the best retention rate in U.S. Army Europe.

If you’re a new leader looking for a structure—or a seasoned one trying to reset expectations—this episode offers real talk, real tools, and real stories to help you lead better today.

📎 Download the free one-on-one template at commandpostcohort.com
📺 Watch this episode on YouTube for the screen-shared walkthrough
💬 Connect with us and suggest topics at commandpostcohort.com

Enhance Your Leadership Skills with Proven Strategies

Andrew and Craig discuss the challenges and responsibilities of leadership, particularly in a military context. Andrew shares his experience of establishing a new unit within the Army, detailing the various obstacles he faced and the importance of taking charge. The discussion emphasizes the need for leaders to be proactive, build teams, and find solutions to problems, even when those tasks fall outside their traditional roles. The conversation highlights the significance of trust, adaptability, and decision-making in effective leadership.

Takeaways

• Leadership requires taking charge and being proactive.
• Building a team of teams is essential for success.
• Leaders must navigate unfamiliar responsibilities effectively.
• Overcoming obstacles often involves creative problem-solving.
• Trust in your abilities and the support of your team.
• Assuming risk can lead to faster decision-making.
• Communication is key in coordinating efforts across teams.
• Leaders should come with solutions, not just problems.
• Adaptability is crucial in dynamic environments.
• Leadership and change are inherently linked.

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www.commandpostcohort.com

leadership, military, team building, problem solving, responsibility, decision making, trust, organizational structure, communication, adaptability

In this conversation, Craig and Andrew discuss the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of accepting responsibility, making decisions, and effectively communicating within a team. They explore the challenges new leaders face, the necessity of stepping up in crisis situations, and the critical role of problem-solving in leadership. The discussion highlights real-world examples from the fire department and other leadership contexts, providing insights into the dynamics of leading a team and the courage required to navigate various challenges.

Takeaways

• Leadership requires accepting responsibility for decisions.
• New leaders often struggle with stepping into their roles.
• Effective communication is crucial in leadership.
• Leaders must solve problems proactively.
• It's important to view oneself as a leader.
• Courage is necessary for making tough decisions.
• Leaders should come with solutions, not just problems.
• Team dynamics play a significant role in leadership success.
• Understanding the impact of decisions on the team is vital.
• Leadership is a continuous learning journey.

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www.outsiders-group.com

#leadership #leader #communication #purpose #standards #trust