“Be a doer and a self-starter — aggressiveness and initiative are two most admired qualities in a leader — but you must also put your feet up and think.”

— Col. Glover Johns

The Misconception of Military Leadership

Popular culture has long painted soldiers as blunt instruments—brash, aggressive, and uninterested in deep thought. Older movies, in particular, reinforce the image of the muscle-bound, shoot-first soldier, whose disdain for strategy is matched only by his eagerness to kick down doors. While this stereotype has softened in recent years, particularly with portrayals of elite military units, many still assume that military leadership success comes solely from forceful action. 

This is why Colonel Glover Johns’ insight is so powerful. He highlights a truth often overlooked in discussions of leadership: the best leaders don’t just act boldly; they also take the time to think. Aggression without direction is chaos, and initiative without reflection leads to disaster. On the other hand, planning without aggression leads to inaction. True leadership is about balancing decisiveness with contemplation, knowing when to push forward and when to pause and reassess.

Business Leadership Needs More Than “Move Fast and Break Things”

This lesson extends far beyond the military. Business owners and entrepreneurs constantly hear about the importance of being aggressive. Influencers, books, and colleagues preach that taking massive action is the key to success. They encourage going all in, moving fast, and never letting up. The Silicon Valley startup mantra of "move fast and break things" is a perfect example of this mindset. And while there is undeniable value in decisiveness and action, the advice often omits a crucial part—taking the time to stop and think. Without careful planning and consideration, uninformed aggressiveness can lead to reckless decisions, wasted resources, and unnecessary failures.

Aggressiveness is an essential trait for leaders. It fuels action, pushes boundaries, and creates momentum. In business, aggressive leaders make bold moves, take calculated risks, and drive results. However, there is a fine line between productive aggression and reckless haste. Making moves without a strategy or understanding the bigger picture can quickly lead to disaster. This is why Colonel Johns’ wisdom is so powerful—initiative and action must be paired with contemplation and strategic thinking.

The Best Leaders Balance Action and Thought

We often see the impact of this balance in successful leaders. The best CEOs, military commanders, and entrepreneurs are not just go-getters; they are also thinkers. They take time to analyze, strategize, and consider the long-term implications of their actions. They know when to push forward aggressively and when to step back, put their feet up, and reflect. This ability to toggle between action and thoughtfulness is what separates great leaders from those who burn out or make reckless decisions.

The challenge for anyone in a leadership position is to develop this balance. When faced with a decision, ask yourself: 

• Am I being strategically assertive, or just aggressive? 
• Have I taken the time to think through my next steps? 
• Am I acting with purpose, or am I simply moving for the sake of movement? 

By integrating this level of awareness into your leadership approach, you can avoid the pitfalls of uninformed aggression and harness the power of strategic action.

Colonel Johns’ words serve as a reminder that leadership is not just about moving fast and breaking things. It’s about knowing when to charge ahead and when to pause and reflect. If you can master this duality, you will not only be a more effective leader but also a more successful one.