Who would have thought?

Who would have thought that the principles of a British war general of the 1800's would be as useful today as they were to Wellington in 1815? It is safe to assume then that the concepts of this man should be adhered to, afterall he did defeat Napolean in the Battle of Waterloo.

31. Have a belief of superiority

This means in your profession or your objective. If you truly believe in what you do or what you want to achieve then mind over matter will get you there.

30. Success requires knowledge

Thorough knowledge and planning while having personal control over all aspects of your life will not guarantee success however you will have a higher degree of success over those that do no follow this principle.

29. Strategic foresight.

Knowing what is going and "looking over the hill" will prepare you for adversity and decline.

28. Look ahead.

Wellington once said during battle "go see what is on the other side of the hill." In other words look beyond the current situation and see what the path or decision will do later.

27. Answer questions directly

Communication was key to Welington. If asked a question do not dodge the question but answer it and give sound reasons or justifications for your answers.

26. Be diplomatic and humble

In order to lead you must be diplomatic yet at the same time be humble. No one likes a bossy, arogant leader.

25. Give short, clear instructions

Do not beat around the bush, be exact in what you expect and want. Let the purpose be known with a definite expression of desires.

24. Be precise in speech

When directing, mean what you say and say what you mean. Let all know what your expectations are and do that with precise instructions.

23. Manintain communication to all.

Talk to everyone so that all on the same page.

22. If inexperience in something find those that are.

It is not a shame to not know or be experienced in everything. If you lack the knowledge or experience in any area you bring in those that are.

21. Demand quality

Expect and demand quality from those you place in charge or those that do a task for you. Do not settle for inferior work.

20. Be self confident and confident in others

Not only is self confidence important you must be confident in those you lead or those that are around you.

19. Confidence inspires confidence

Confidence is contagious and when others see that you are confident then they will likely follow and listen to you.

18. Do not delegate too much.

Delegation is good however do not delegate too much responsibility to those unable to handle the job.

17. Oversee the most important things personally

If it is most important, do not rely on another to handle the issue. Handle it yourself.

16. Success requires being there

Wellington's words were "be on the spot" or be on the ball as some would say. Oversee everything-do everything.

15. Agressive attack

This refers to the mentality of attacking problems with superior discipline. With agressive action you defeat the larger obstacles and can move on to the next one without worry of the former problem still looming.

14. Attack the first obstacle first.

Handle whatever needs handled first and then work through each problem progressively.

13. Repsond to previous days messages

Take your messages from the previous day and handle that business the following day.

12. Do the business of the day in the day.

Again take care of business for that day during that day and not put it off until a later time. Do not procrastinate.

11. Oversee the needs of the day

Just as it says, know what is going on in all things.

10. Good health

Wellington stood fast on health and moderation. Eating foods that were plain, alcohol was used in moderation, exercised regularly and held his emotions in check.

9. Devote some time to recreation

Same adage of all work and no play.....Wellington also went on to say to not let recreation intrude on regular duties or activities.

8. Maintain good general appearance

7. Always have breakfast

Even during this time in history Wellington understood the importance of starting the day with nutrition.

6. Serve others

Do so when asked and do it with zeal and cheerfulness.

5. Be endearing

4. Be frank

3. Be cheerful

2. Be true and always demand honesty

Not only does it mean to be truthful it also means be true to who you are. It's the same as to be 'real', be loyal and be faithful. All things which require truth and the expectation of same in return.

1. Be selfless

Pretty self explanitory. In order to be self[less] we cannot be self[ish].

Lord Wellington aka Iron Duke

Through the discovery of reading about the man to defeat Napoleon at Waterloo I have discovered 31 points of virtue about the Duke. I plan to introduce daily one point until I have listed each of them

The points are the lifestyle decisions and choices of a man whose ideals of the 1700-1800's could easily apply today.

These ideals can help in areas of personal appearance, work and general well being. I have divided the points into four real categories and they are Personal Behavior / Health & Appearance / Work Habits / Leadership Qualities.