As our nation marks 80 years since Victory in Europe, we pause to honour the immense sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom. VE Day is not just a historic date; it is a moment to reflect on courage, resilience, and the qualities of leadership that helped guide us through one of the darkest chapters in human history.
For me, this national moment of reflection brings back memories of my own 32 years of service in the British Army, including deployments to Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland. It reminds me just how central inspirational leadership is in times of challenge and uncertainty, a truth as relevant today as it was eight decades ago.
Throughout my career, I served in a variety of leadership roles across numerous units. One constant in the most successful teams was a strong and enduring culture of service, leadership, and followership. This culture did not arise by chance; it was intentionally cultivated by Commanding Officers and senior leaders who, despite typically holding appointments for just two to three years, managed to instil an ethos and set of values that left a lasting impact. Their success lay in building environments founded on trust, integrity, loyalty, and comradeship, qualities that were equally vital to those who led soldiers across Europe during the Second World War.
When people think of military leaders, they often picture cinematic figures like Clint Eastwood in Heartbreak Ridge or Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan, barking orders amid chaos. In reality, effective military leadership is often quieter: it is about preparation, judgement, compassion, and the ability to motivate and hold a team together under pressure.
Crucially, military leadership is proactively developed. Soldiers are trained and prepared before they take on formal leadership roles, ensuring they do not face the challenges of command as “accidental managers” without support. One of the Army’s greatest strengths is its clear leadership doctrine, which sets out the values and expectations that shape every leader, from the newest recruit to the most senior commander. Principles like clarity, accountability, and values-based leadership provide a foundation that ensures leaders are ready to serve with integrity and purpose; qualities that were just as vital during the Second World War as they are today.
The Leadership Framework
One of the true strengths of Army leadership and leadership training, is the constant evolution of doctrine and training, which in 2016 saw the first formalised Army Leadership Doctrine published, a significant step forward in outlining their philosophical and conceptual understanding of leadership. The framework offers clarity on what the expectations are for leaders:
Simple, yet highly effective doctrine that can be applied in barracks, training in the field and on operations, with an overall focus on building the leadership skills and competencies required to better develop people, and to build the highest-performing teams, underpinning the key asset capable of achieving the Army’s purpose of fighting and winning wars on the land – our people (Centre for Army Leadership, 2024).
The lessons I learned about leadership during my 32 years in the Army now serve as a strong foundation for my role as a skills coach with KnowledgeBrief. From leading teams in high-pressure environments to developing others through structured training, coaching and mentoring; these experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of how to inspire, guide, and support individuals in achieving their full potential. I draw on this background daily - whether its helping clients navigate challenges, build confidence, or develop their own leadership capabilities. The values outlined in the Army Leader Competency Framework such as clarity, preparation, accountability, and values-based leadership are not only vital in military settings, but are equally applicable and impactful across all sectors, including business and industry.
Lessons That Endure
The lessons I learned in the Army continue to resonate, particularly on a day like VE Day when we remember extraordinary acts of leadership and sacrifice. These lessons shaped me as a leader and continue to shape how I approach life today.
Lead by example
The most authentic and effective leaders live the values they expect from others. Walking the walk, not just talking the talk, builds trust and integrity.
Encourage confidence in the team
Great leaders lift their teams by showing belief in their people. This strengthens cohesion and inspires individuals to rise to challenges.
Recognise individual strengths and weaknesses
Every person has something to contribute, and understanding both strengths and areas for growth is key to bringing out the best in a team.
These are not just military lessons; they are human ones. They remind us that leadership is not about rank or title but about service, example, and the ability to inspire others in pursuit of a greater purpose.
As we mark this 80th anniversary of VE Day, we remember the generations who lived those truths under the most difficult circumstances, from commanders making life-or-death decisions on the battlefield to the quiet but vital leadership shown by civilians on the home front. We honour them not only in ceremony but in the way we carry their example forward, by leading with integrity, standing together in adversity, and serving something greater than ourselves.