"Command is lonely."

Being in a position of authority can be a solitary experience. When you're the one making the decisions, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. There’s a reason people say it’s lonely at the top. It's because leadership often entails carrying burdens that others don't see, including the difficult choices and the responsibility for their outcomes.

Take, for instance, a historical context—the life of a military commander during wartime. Imagine you're Dwight D. Eisenhower on the eve of D-Day. The decision to launch such a massive and risky operation must have been incredibly isolating. Eisenhower had to make the final call, fully aware that the lives of thousands of soldiers depended on his judgment. He couldn't share that responsibility with his subordinates or turn to them for the final decision. It was his alone to bear.

Now, let’s bring it closer to home with a real-life example. Picture a CEO of a struggling start-up. This person has to decide whether to pivot the company’s strategy or stick to the original plan despite mounting losses. The team looks to the CEO for direction, but they can't fully grasp the extent of the pressure. Late at night, when the office is empty, the CEO is still there, weighing the pros and cons, knowing that employees’ livelihoods depend on their decision. It's a heavy and solitary place to be.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? First, understand that feeling alone in a position of leadership is normal. Don’t let it discourage you. Instead, embrace it as part of the journey. Seek out mentors or peers in similar positions outside your immediate circle—people who understand what you're going through because they’ve been there themselves. And remember, it's okay to lean on them for advice and support.

Here’s a relatable story. Imagine you’re the captain of a high school soccer team. It's the finals, and the game is tied with just minutes left. You have to decide whether to go for the risky play that could win the game, or play it safe and hope for a chance in overtime. Your teammates are looking to you for direction, but they can’t feel the pressure you do. You remember the advice from your coach—trust your gut and take the shot if you believe in it. You decide to go for it. The moment you make that choice, there’s a surge of adrenaline and isolation. It's your decision alone, and the outcome will rest on your shoulders.

In that moment, you realize that being a leader means making the tough calls and standing by them. The shot? It goes in, and you win the game. But even if it didn't, the experience teaches you that command is indeed lonely—but it's also rewarding.

So, the next time you find yourself in a lonely spot at the top, take a deep breath. Know that this solitude is part of the strength of leadership. It means you’re the one with the vision, the responsibility, and ultimately, the growth that comes with such a role.