Leadership Principles That Stuck With Me — Army to Everyday Life

When I went through my Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ) in the Canadian Army, I was exposed to leadership principles that have stuck with me. These aren’t just military concepts — they’re real-world tools that apply anywhere: work, life, teams, family.

They helped shape how I think about responsibility, communication, and setting the tone as a leader. I keep coming back to them because they’re practical, direct, and they work.

Here they are — the Canadian Army’s leadership principles — with a few thoughts on how they still guide me today.

1. Achieve professional competence

Know your job, and keep getting better at it. Your team trusts you more when you actually know what you're doing.

2. Appreciate your own strengths and limitations and pursue self-improvement

Be honest with yourself. Know what you’re good at, admit where you’re not, and work on closing the gaps.

3. Seek and accept responsibility

Don’t pass the buck. Step up when something needs doing — even if it’s not your job. That’s leadership. Do the shit jobs with a smile.

4. Lead by example

People don’t follow words — they follow actions. Show up on time, do the work, carry your weight.

5. Make timely and effective decisions

Don’t freeze up. Gather what info you can, trust your judgment, and make the call. Waiting too long is still a decision — and usually a bad one.

6. Know your subordinates and promote their welfare

Take care of your people. Know what makes them tick, and have their backs when it counts.

7. Communicate clearly

Say what you mean. No fluff, no mixed signals. Good communication solves half the problems before they even start. Confirm you're understood.

8. Develop your leadership skills

Leadership isn’t something you "have" — it’s something you build. Learn from your mistakes, seek out mentors, and gain real experience.

9. Treat subordinates as you would like to be treated

Respect is a two-way street. Nobody wants to follow someone who treats them like shit.

10. Know yourself and seek self-improvement

Similar to #2, but deeper — understand what drives you, what holds you back, and work on sharpening the blade.

11. Be technically and tactically proficient

Whatever your Profession, know the tools, know the tactics, and move smartly. It builds team confidence and gets the job done right.

12. Keep your subordinates informed

People work better when they understand the bigger picture. Don’t leave them in the dark.

13. Train your subordinates as a team

Foster team cohesion, not just individual skills. Units that train collectively function more effectively when under pressure.

14. Employ your team in accordance with its capabilities

Know your people’s limits and strengths. Set them up to succeed — that’s how you build a winning team.

These principles still influence how I live today — whether it’s on a team, in the outdoors, or just day-to-day life.

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This reflection draws on my experiences growing up on the lakes and rivers of Muskoka, leading countless self-directed wilderness excursions, and later retiring as a Sergeant in the Canadian Armed Forces and in law enforcement as a Tactical Officer. The Tactical Camper philosophy is built from a lifetime of outdoor exploration, operational deployments, specialized tactical training, after 22 years of uniformed service — adapted to guide resilience, preparedness, and leadership in everyday life.