Does spit and polish really equate to good leadership?

I am not saying that having a professional image or wearing a uniform properly is bad thing. My question rhetorically, is just because someone has boots that look like mirrors and a perfectly pressed uniform really make them good leaders?

I believe the answer is no it does not. There is pride and there is setting the example. But these are only a few of the traits that we expect good leaders to have. Big picture we want well rounded people in leadership positions, not just "toy soldiers," that look the part.

In history if you look at photos of General's MacArthur and Patton as well as Adm Nimitz, they look like they would barely pass an open ranks inspection, with their wrinkled uniforms and floppy head gear, sans Patton since he always wore a helmet of course. At the same time they were some of the best leaders we will ever have seen in our history.

To reiterate I believe that we should set a professional image. I have seen in my career some individuals that were spit and polish and that's about it. When it came to dealing with people lower rank or their piers the alienated everyone. No one liked them and wanted to see them fail. At the same time I have known people that wore the uniform professionally but were concerned with what I feel are more important in the other tenants of being a professional leader.

I have grown up with the concept that Officers wear fake leather for a reason. We have other more important issues to deal with like managing our programs and leading our people.

Not attacking those who are spit and polish. Just wanted to see other peoples thoughts are on it. I imagine growing Air Force culture may be different in mindset to other services.