Lead from the Front, Sides, and Back.

Leadership Lessons from the Military for Today’s Leaders

About a year and a half ago, my son was in basic training with the US Army. Recently, we were talking and found ourselves reflecting on a leadership lesson he shared with me during that time—one that has stuck with both of us ever since.

During his  time in basic training, he and one of his closest buddies were given the chance to serve as squad leaders. Their duties included leading the group through the physically and mentally exhausting marches, which included the ruck marches where each soldier carries between 60 and 80 pounds of gear while marching in formation for a grueling 12+ miles. This opportunity illuminated a simple but profound truth about leadership.

They started each march leading from the front—setting the pace, establishing direction, and carrying the responsibility of keeping everyone on track. But as the miles wore on and the group began to feel the strain, they didn’t stay out front.

They dropped back.

At every row, they stopped—checking in, cracking jokes, giving encouragement, making sure no one was being left behind. Row by row, they moved through the formation until they reached the very last soldiers. 

Then they fell behind even them.

From the very back, they gained a new vantage point. They could see the entire squad—the rhythm, the ones who were at risk of falling behind or drifting out of formation, the ones who were strong and quietly pulling others along.

And when they spotted someone who was still struggling, they didn’t just make note of it. They ran back up to that row, walked alongside that soldier, and gave extra encouragement until that person was back in pace—motivated and energized to keep pressing forward. Only then would they continue their sweep to the back, repeating the process until everyone was steady.

Once the squad was in sync again, they sprinted back up front to lead.

The insight? Leadership isn’t about always being out front. It’s about knowing where your presence is needed most. Sometimes it’s blazing the trail. Other times it’s walking beside your team. And sometimes it’s deliberately moving to the back—shining the spotlight on your people and letting their work be seen.

What This Looks Like in Civilian Leadership

Leading from the Front

When: Setting strategy, driving a new initiative, casting vision.

Looks like: Communicating the “why,” modeling the pace, showing confidence when others are uncertain.

Leading from the Side

When: The team is in the thick of the work, facing challenges, or feeling strain.

Looks like: Rolling up your sleeves, checking in with individuals, offering encouragement, asking what they need, and making the work feel lighter.

Leading from the Back

When: The team is capable, and it’s their time to shine.

Looks like: Observing dynamics, spotting potential derailers, providing cover—and when you see someone struggling, stepping in briefly with targeted encouragement until they’re back in stride. Then, stepping aside so the front line gets recognition for their effort and success.

The lesson is this:

Effective leadership means moving fluidly between these positions. True leaders don’t just set the course; they stay connected to their people, adjust their perspective, and make sure everyone crosses the finish line together.

And yes, leaders often end up doing more, not less. But that’s the price—and privilege—of ensuring your team succeeds.

Where does your team need you right now? Out front setting direction, beside them in the trenches, or stepping back so they can be recognized?