Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner

Actions speak louder than words, and it’s important leaders demonstrate to their workforce they care, Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner said. “Leaders need to show people that they care with their actions, not just their words,” he said. “Leaders show they care by providing their people with tools, guidance and support, creating a culture of trust, inclusion, diversity and transparency needed to accomplish the mission at hand. Leaders show they care by empowering their subordinates, enabling them to swiftly take the actions needed for mission success. At the end of the day, a leader has to set the vision, be committed to it, eliminate the roadblocks and set the environment to shine, while also being agile enough to change as the situation(s) dictate.” Good leaders also need to empower subordinates in order to cultivate an atmosphere of trust, providing guidance, support and training to enable success.