Leadership is often shaped by defining moments, and how leaders reflect on these experiences can define their future growth. Drawing from personal leadership insights during military service—particularly from the high-pressure environment of the Kosovo War—we have identified key lessons that translate seamlessly into civilian and industrial leadership practices.
Seizing Unexpected Opportunities
One defining leadership moment came from an unexpected call to deploy as a spokesperson in Kosovo during the war. At the time, stationed at RAF Coningsby, the news came suddenly: within a week, it was time to pack bags, re-certify on a personal weapon, and prepare to face an unfamiliar role in a challenging environment.
Reflective Point: Leadership opportunities often arise at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. Embracing these challenges can accelerate personal and professional growth. The ability to step outside of comfort zones and adapt quickly is a critical trait for effective leadership, whether in a war zone or the business world.
Leading with Unconditional Trust
In Kosovo, the leadership challenge involved managing a diverse team of 38 military and civilian personnel from 15 different countries, including individuals from groups historically in conflict, such as Serbs and Albanians, Turks and Greeks. To further complicate matters, team members were constantly rotating in and out, creating an unstable and fluid environment. There was no time for trust to develop gradually—trust had to be given immediately.
Rather than waiting for trust to form, the approach was to grant trust from day one. By trusting the team’s professionalism, integrity, and expertise upfront, cohesion was built rapidly, even among individuals from conflicting backgrounds. Only once did this trust break down, but overall, it was key to the team’s success.
Reflective Lesson: In high-pressure environments, leaders don’t always have the luxury of time to build trust gradually. Sometimes, trust needs to be given unconditionally from the outset. By leading with trust, leaders can create quick cohesion, fostering collaboration even in diverse and challenging settings.
The Power of Asking “What Else?”
Leadership isn’t just about completing the mission—it’s also about asking, “What else can I do to improve the situation?” In Kosovo, the mental well-being of both soldiers and civilians was a significant concern. Far from home, dealing with the constant pressures of conflict, many struggled with stress and isolation. Recognising this, leaders established a “drop-in centre” where personnel, regardless of nationality or rank, could gather for support and conversation. This simple initiative provided an informal space for connection and helped reduce some of the mental health pressures facing the team.
Additionally, several tragic accidents involving children and unexploded munitions became another pressing concern. A media campaign was launched to educate local children on the dangers of discarded munitions, ultimately reducing child fatalities related to these explosives. Over six months, the deaths dropped from 23 to zero.
Reflective Point: Great leadership goes beyond simply achieving goals—it’s about looking at the bigger picture and asking, “What else can I do to make a difference?” Even small actions can create meaningful, lasting impacts on the lives of those you lead. Leaders must remain aware of the broader context and take steps to address challenges that may not be immediately obvious.
Leading with Intentionality
Intentional leadership means taking the time to build genuine relationships with the people you lead. Whether in a war zone or a corporate setting, every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen bonds, foster trust, and boost team performance. Simple gestures—such as regularly asking team members, “How are you?” and following up with “No, really, how are you?”—can create a culture of openness and psychological safety. These moments of genuine care lead to stronger relationships, better communication, and higher-performing teams.
Reflective Point: Leadership requires intentionality. Every interaction with your team is an opportunity to build trust, show empathy, and strengthen relationships. Being intentional about how you engage with your team can have a profound impact on team morale, performance, and overall success.
Wrapping Up
Effective leadership is rarely straightforward. It involves seizing unexpected opportunities, building trust quickly, going beyond the immediate task to ask “What else can I do?” and leading with intentionality. At Project7 Consultancy, we believe that reflective practice is essential to multiplying the value of experience. Reflection helps leaders learn continuously and improve their leadership practices, making them more effective and impactful.
Leadership is more than just achieving business objectives—it’s about creating lasting, positive change in the lives of those you lead. By reflecting on experiences and asking deeper questions, leaders can drive not only success but also meaningful impact.
