I have a book title sitting on my end table from Vince Flynn, a Minnesota author that writes wonderful fictional books. The name of the book is Protect and Defend, I read it a year ago – but instead of putting it back on my bookshelf, or passing on to friends I keep it on my end table…I like the title, it reminds me of leadership.

The leadership role is about protecting and defending. Not just on a national basis – but as any leader of a team, whether the team has 3 people or 1000. A leader’s role is about protecting the culture of the work place or work team, protecting core values, defending ideas, and defending a coworker’s right to a different opinion. A key trait we see in great leaders is their courage, conviction, and curiosity. They truly care what happens and their openness to know they may not be right all the time allows a leader to keep a connection with their team that keeps the team vibrant and engaged.