Do you agree (3) Things Leadership Is NOT?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:00:29 -0400

Do you agree (3) Things Leadership Is NOT?

Leadership Is NOT a Position
Leadership Is NOT Power
Leadership Is NOT Pride

RP Members and Connections this is one of those lost Questions that was lost and It has been a while since I've posted something on Leadership, so here we go.

RP members do you agree or disagree with this author's assessment on the (3) things that leadership is NOT?

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by Dianna Booher Author, speaker, consultant. Leadership communication, executive presence, presentations, CEO at http://www.BooherResearch.com

Leadership—or the lack of it—has been the theme of the last decade. From political pundits, to convention keynoters, to sports team coaches, everybody claims to want a cadre of leaders to carry out their mission.

So for all the talk, training techniques, and tips on the topic, you’d think everyone would have the concept down by now. But not so. A few carrying the title of leader are still off track.

Leadership Is NOT a Position

Real leadership requires personal influence—persuasion afforded by a long track record of strong relationships built by trust. That reserve of trust may have been built by any number of things:

Direct, clear communication without intention to deceive
Consistency ̶̶ ̶̶ actions that match your words
Transparency and openness
Explanations about goals and decisions
A private life that matches the public life
Competence
Concern and compassion for others
An upbeat, positive attitude about the future
When others observe these attitudes in a leader, the personal influence compels them to listen with an open mind—and often to accept the leader’s ideas and opinions as their own.

When the personal influence is missing, a positional title often demands little more than a “hearing”—often met with open skepticism.

Leadership Is NOT Power

Positional power comes from a title—to hire, fire, write a traffic ticket, dismiss from a sports team. But members in all levels of our society have such power. The cashier has “power” to stop buyers before they walk out of store without paying for an item. The librarian has “power” to charge for an overdue book. The night security guard in the building lobby has power to turn visitors away if they don’t have a proper ID to enter the building.

But people in these positions would not necessarily be showing leadership to stop the thief, fine the book borrower, or turn away the building visitor.

Leadership comes from a higher order of power—one not simply granted by the position or title someone holds.

Leadership has to be earned. Your followers grant it. To know if you are a leader, look behind you to see if there are followers.

Leadership Is NOT Pride

Whenever I go to a conference, I’m not surprised to see the most successful attendees in the group taking the most notes. They never stop learning, growing, reflecting, tweaking to make themselves and their businesses better. The less successful often lean back as if they know it all already.

The greatest leaders demonstrate deep humility. Not a false humility, but a genuine humility. Because of their wisdom, they know the vast potential for human growth, and the standards for themselves and their own achievements remain extremely high.

The humble leader listens—to new ideas, to feedback, to those lower “on the food chain” with a different perspective. The humble leader understands that their greatest accomplishment often comes as a result from intake, not outgo.

Effective leaders communicate a lot about position, power, and pride—without ever saying a word.

Dianna Booher is the bestselling author of more than 46 books, published in 26 languages. She consults, writes, and speaks on leadership communication, executive presence, productivity, and faith. Her latest books include What MORE Can I Say: Why Communication Fails and What to Do About It, Creating Personal Presence: Look, Talk, Think, and Act Like a Leader and Communicate With Confidence. National media such as Good Morning America, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, Bloomberg, Forbes.com, CNN International, NPR, Success, and Entrepreneur have interviewed her for opinions on critical workplace communication issues. http://www.booherresearch.com

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"Communication cultures are created—not wished into existence. Great communicators model the masters, develop the strategies, practice the techniques, and measure the results.”—Dianna Booher Sign up to receive my blog posts by email and get a FREE copy of Quotes & Quips on Communication.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Oct 7 at 2015 12:01 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:01:52 -0400

Absolutely!

Response by MSgt Danny Hope made Oct 7 at 2015 12:01 PM

MSgt Danny Hope — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:01:55 -0400

I would add that it is not entitled, must be earned.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Oct 7 at 2015 12:02 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:02:10 -0400

Absolutely correct.

Response by SPC Nick Lai made Oct 7 at 2015 12:02 PM

SPC Nick Lai — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:02:28 -0400

Totally COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 12:03 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:03:39 -0400

I agree.

1. Leaders can be in any position, even "subordinate" to those they lead
2. To a certain extent the leader does need power, but not always in the traditional sense, so I agree overall
3. Pride can be the downfall of many great leaders, so is definitely not a requirement or positive. However I don't feel it is "always" a negative either.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 7 at 2015 12:07 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:07:03 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs in their negative sense, true leadership is not:
(1) merely a position
(2) unbridled power
(3) not demanded pride from subordinates
That being said
(1) Leadership tends to be embodied in a position whether it is parent, military office, or CEO.
(2) Leaders do exert power through their subordinates accomplishments
(3) Leaders do instill pride in the organization when leadership is effective.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 12:22 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:22:24 -0400

I disagree ...
1. leadership is a position, it is not given by a title, it is given by those that follow you.
2. Leadership is power, it is not given to you by your leadership skills, it is given by those that follow you again.
3. Leadership is pride, it is not the pride of your leadership, it is the pride of the team you lead.

leadership is all of those three things, just from a different sources that most people think of.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 12:42 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:42:39 -0400

Those 3 things tend to make for bad leadership decisions. Leadership is not a place or a level of responsibility nor is it how much you think of yourself.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 12:42 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:42:47 -0400

Those 3 things tend to make for bad leadership decisions. Leadership is not a place or a level of responsibility nor is it how much you think of yourself.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 7 at 2015 12:48 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:48:50 -0400

Agreed.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Oct 7 at 2015 2:27 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:27:05 -0400

I would somewhat disagree with the last one. I would change it to say Leadership is NOT Arrogance. I think you can be proud of what you do and who you are. That doesn't mean you are God's gift to whatever organization you belong. I agree with how she discusses that though in that being a leader means being humble and willing to learn from everyone above, equal to and below you in the hierarchy. She did make me feel good because I always take notes at whatever meeting/event I attend.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 2:49 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:49:55 -0400

COL Mikel Burroughs, Concur, sir, I would add that Leadership is not a title to be worn or broadcast on your chest or signature block. A true leader doesn’t even need anyone to tell him/her, he/she is one. A true leader is an example to follow and emulate not despise or hate.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Oct 7 at 2015 6:29 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 18:29:35 -0400

I believe leadership is the ability to get others to do the right thing without walking the individuals through the whole process no matter the task. A good leader can give the mission statement without telling step by step what to do.

Once you have given the mission statement, the individuals performing the task already knows how to achieve the set mission

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 1:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 13:39:28 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Once again I write my throw down about leadership. The speed of the leader is the speed of the team.
A good team leader has to understand he/she are in a different position.
A good team leader has to realize the power of his team is the power of the leader to guide his/her team. The leader can't lead as "one of the boys" anymore. They are in charge now, but not by being "In Charge" as a Czar.
The leader must exhibit pride within him /herself if they expect their team to be proud of themselves. One day I was a SP4. The next day I was an E-5 in charge of a team and the responsibilities of the team came directly from my responsibility as a team leader. I had a relaxed meeting with my team and told them how proud I was having a team like them. I explained I'm easy going, which they already knew, but now I'm in a different role and I do expect understanding and accepting me as their team leader. Never had a problem. Some were white, some were black, but I expected the same team work regardless of race. I tried to be fair to each of the 11 men and treat them like men, while still being friendly and showing respect for them. It certainly didn't go to my head. When we were back at our AO, we all drank beer, told bad jokes, ate together. They were my family and I loved each and every one of them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 8 at 2015 2:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:45:04 -0400

This is 80% crap. Leadership is not position, pride, and power in itself, however, leadership requires position, pride, and power.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Oct 8 at 2015 3:00 PM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:00:21 -0400

Agree

I have always believed and seen a leader who has those qualities.

Subsequently, a leader provides purpose, motivation and direction exhibiting these 3 qualities to help build a team.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 10:15 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 10:15:44 -0500

Agree completely - you are a servant. To your country, to your Soldiers and to your superiors.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 11 at 2015 3:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 15:15:21 -0500

She is a farce. I only agree with #3.

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Feb 24 at 2016 5:35 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 17:35:12 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, I definitely and strongly agree with all three. I was a leader as a junior Soldier. That demonstration of positive influence over my peers eventually led to positions that recognized my leadership abilities. It wasn't the other way around. Leaders are people just like their subordinates. They will not always be right, and they must be capable of admitting faults to maintain the trust of those who know them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 5:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 17:50:14 -0500

I question Not Pride. I think I know what YOU meant, BUT pride is a motivator. Just do not overdo, I.e., also airborne, Ranger, EIB, Air Assault (honor grad), SF. Some may disagree, some may want to be, and then some are!

Response by Debbie Pomeroy Cloud made Feb 21 at 2018 9:26 AM

Debbie Pomeroy Cloud — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:26:13 -0500

Thank you. A real leader are not all three. The others come, and sooner or later fall on their own sword, being the ultimate egoic suiside.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 9:46 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:46:40 -0500

Leadership is not those three. It is so much more.

Leadership is an honor. Not everyone can do it, and it is extrmely hard. Retired General Stanley McChystral gave a really good TED Talk on Leadership and Shared Purpose, one I cite often to people who chose to listen and to the soldiers I lead. Leadership requires personal sacrifice. It requires being something better than what you precieve yourself to be, because leaders set the standard.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 21 at 2018 9:46 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:46:49 -0500

Fully agree to that.

Response by Alan K. made Feb 21 at 2018 10:01 AM

Alan K. — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:01:03 -0500

Good Morning COL. We know what leadership is not.....Now, What is it? An Attitude and code to begin with, the means to bring that attitude and code to your fellow man in a constructive beneficial manner. Any good leader will start there and grow into a great leader.....That is my two pennies. Have a warm Wednesday, I am going to.

Response by Susan Foster made Feb 21 at 2018 10:23 AM

Susan Foster — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:23:43 -0500

I completely and wholeheartedly agree! You have it down--position, power, and pride are NOT leadership, and the things you listed are. I think we often get leadership confused with management. You can manage something because you have the power and authority to do so, and you may get compliance for awhile. Without good leadership, you will never get commitment. Yet that's what a leader is for--to get commitment. I really like some of the leadership competencies in the Leadership publication of the Army-- A leader:
1. Provides purpose and motivation (I used to like my boss who would always do "commanders intent." We had a clear direction on where to end up.
2. Builds trust and builds and sustains morale.
3. Negotiates, builds confidence and resolves conflicts.
4. Leads by example.
5. Demonstrates total integrity.
6. Uses sound judgment and emotional stability
7. Takes care of people and celebrates diversity. (I love the term "servant leader." I don't think you can be a real leader without understanding you are serving your people, not the other way around.)
I would add all of yours, especially competence, private life matches public life (are you walking your talk?), and humility. I love what you brought out on humility--no real leader ever has to tell you they are the boss. They make you want to follow them by their inspiration and confidence in you (not themselves). I've never had a great leader who thought they knew it all. Like you, they were always learning, taking notes, and asking questions because they sincerely wanted to get better.
I have been fortunate to have both great ones and some who weren't good at all, but both served their purpose: to teach me how to do it better.
Thank you for the great discussion on leadership. We don't talk enough about it as a people. And everyone can be a great leader--of their family, their community, their job, their church, and if none of these fit, we can all learn to be better leaders of ourselves.

Response by LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD made Feb 21 at 2018 11:30 AM

LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 11:30:47 -0500

If you have to tell everyone you are the leader...you probably are NOT! People will listen and believe what you say once they understand that you have their, not yours alone, benefits considered. Give to others what they bring to the table and guide them toward the goal intended. Don't act as an island, or make decisions in a vacuum. Listen, consider, advise, then act. Depending on the necessity (immediate/future) you have some/or all of those latitudes. Once you have done your due diligence, don't hesitate or second guess. Move and be strong enough to accept that you will not always be right, but those who know you best will give you the benefit of doubt if you follow that elixir.

Response by TSgt David L. made Feb 21 at 2018 1:47 PM

TSgt David L. — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 13:47:12 -0500

I would agree with you, COL Mikel J. Burroughs, but the position seems to go the heads of nearly every person in them. Almost a contest of wills in some cases. A good leader has followers, and that you can't force by power, but maybe by position. That seems to be the crux of a lot of the "leaders" I've seen.
Thanks for the post, Sir.

Response by SPC Tony Means made Feb 21 at 2018 8:27 PM

SPC Tony Means — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 20:27:06 -0500

Leadership is an honor, a responsibility and an opportunity to make a difference.

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Feb 22 at 2018 2:40 PM

PO1 Ron Clark — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:40:35 -0500

I will answer this question with my definition! an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Feb 22 at 2018 2:46 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:46:52 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Leadership is teaching others to lead.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 22 at 2018 3:39 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:39:06 -0500

I concur- if you think/base your leadership on these- then you are at best a poor leader. A position is where you are at, not what you are doing. Leadership is not power, but being a good leader empowers you to be able to do more and help more. You can take some pride in being a good leader, but it is more important that your subordinates are proud of you leading them so they can grow.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Feb 22 at 2018 4:18 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 16:18:06 -0500

In the sense that everybody gets the same prize for showing up and we all want to avoid taking charge and distinguishing ourselves on the field so nobody wins or loses but everybody has a "nice time", leadership is neither position, power, nor pride. But at the end of the day, somebody must be a leader, that leader must be granted power to lead and if he or she leads properly and correctly given the task at hand, there can be pride/esprit de corps in an elite team that is led well and accomplishes many things as a unit led by one person.

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Feb 22 at 2018 5:23 PM

CPT Scott Sharon — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 17:23:32 -0500

Yes, I definitely agree with this article.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 22 at 2018 6:48 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:48:41 -0500

Pride, nothing wrong with installing Pride

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made Feb 22 at 2018 7:34 PM

Sgt Randy Wilber — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:34:06 -0500

I agree with the article, to be a leader also you have to have patience (to teach and guide even when you could do it and be done with it sooner) also personality comes into it some ppl can't make decisions and don't want or can't handle the responsibility, some ppl just can't read ppl or the situation no matter how many times you tell or show them. So I believe you can teach all ppl how to be a leader, some will be OK leaders some will excell and some won't be able to handle it. IMHO COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Feb 22 at 2018 7:55 PM

1SG James Matthews — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:55:20 -0500

Completely.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Feb 22 at 2018 7:59 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:59:59 -0500

Agree. Leadership is not a position.....it is more like a calling. Leadership is not about power.....it is about influence. Leadership is not about pride.....it is about rising to the occasion.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 9:19 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 21:19:34 -0500

Excellent premise Col., & you are living proof ! Leadership is a servant's heart, doing good to everyone possible. Leadership is Not driving the sheep forward but leading them from the Front! True leadership operates in love & compassion & builds a cohesive Team !

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Feb 22 at 2018 9:45 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 21:45:51 -0500

definition is that leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. ... He or she is the person in the group that possesses the combination of personality and leadership skills that makes others want to follow his or her direction...
And the list that LTC U

Response by CSM Bruce Trego made Feb 22 at 2018 10:59 PM

CSM Bruce Trego — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 22:59:08 -0500

Some of the best leaders that I have known did not have a true leadership position/title.
If a leader must have power over those he is leading and use that power to lead he is not a true leader. To be a leader he must have followers, not just subordinates.
A proud leader isn't proud of his leadership; he's proud of the actions of those he led!

This is just a few thoughts from and old NCO.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Feb 23 at 2018 12:08 AM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:08:51 -0500

I agree, especially when couple with the elaborations in the article. I would add one thing, a true leader knows when to listen, when to act, and when to wait. That entails both wisdom and the ability to make a decisive decision when needed.

Response by Cpl Kevin Partlow made Feb 23 at 2018 1:22 AM

Cpl Kevin Partlow — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 01:22:12 -0500

Leadership is a valuable asset. Sure I’ll buy that we can all be leaders of something in our life but by definition a leader must have a follower otherwise they a merely a competent, confident individual. Also noteworthy is the fact that a quality follower is a confident, competent individual willing to trust good leadership.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 1:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 01:37:48 -0500

I don't agree, Leadership by itself is just that, a single word, throw in the Human factor, and it becomes a set book volumes.

Response by PO1 Martin Findley made Feb 23 at 2018 2:43 AM

PO1 Martin Findley — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 02:43:24 -0500

Do not lead, for I may not follow. Do not follow, for I may not lead. But walk beside me and be my friend.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Feb 23 at 2018 6:09 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 06:09:21 -0500

Sir,
I always refer as "the process of influencing others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction, and motivation." Yes, position matters to certain extend as well as power and pride. But if you as a leader do not posses the tools necessary to provide that purpose, and I don't mean just saying it to your subordinates, you have to project it in such manner that they will understand and embrace that purpose. I also think that it boils down to the "why", why do we do things a certain way, what is the big picture here?
This might not be relevant to the question, but I always remember the time when I was an instructor...I didn't get along with my supervisor. I mean, I did not like this individual at all. But, I had to sit down and reflect what was the bigger picture, what was our mission. The mission was to educate new recruits from all services and those that were re-classifying. And that's where my supervisor and me met, we had that common purpose, the students. That took care of my motivation because I was once a student in AIT, and went above and beyond for them.
There is a reason why "purpose" was put first in this particular definition because if is not conveyed effectively to your subordinates, you as a leader will run into problems.

Response by SSgt Bruce Probert made Feb 23 at 2018 3:55 PM

SSgt Bruce Probert — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 15:55:53 -0500

Leadership is first and foremost integrity, if those you propose to lead don't trust you and your decisions you can only coerce. Leadership is setting a personal example, taking the time to know your subordinates, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and doing every thing in your power to make them competitive in performance of the mission. Leadership is a state of mind, it takes attention to detail, preparation for the unexpected, the willingness to go into harms way without hesitation, and the willingness to stand for the decisions made right or wrong. There is a line on a Marine fitness report, would you, not desire, desire, or particularly desire to have this Marine in Combat with you and having been there there is not greater accolade than Particularly Desire. Leadership is a way of life it is not a 9-5 job

Response by TSgt Larry Johnson made Feb 23 at 2018 6:24 PM

TSgt Larry Johnson — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 18:24:01 -0500

Yes, I agree. I also agree that it is much harder to be a leader in the civilian world than the military world. The military gives you training, and the civilian world throws you to the wolves.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Feb 23 at 2018 7:14 PM

LTC John Griscom — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 19:14:34 -0500

Leading is not always done from the front.
Leadership may or may not be visible. You may not know you are a leader.

Response by PO3 J.W. Nelson made Feb 24 at 2018 3:50 PM

PO3 J.W. Nelson — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 15:50:02 -0500

I agree on all three points !!
Leadership and the ability to perform this function is not only something that should be cherished by those who have had this ability bestowed upon them, it should also be earned by your treatment of the very people that you have been designated to "Lead" !!

Response by CMSgt Steve Pennington made Feb 24 at 2018 4:03 PM

CMSgt Steve Pennington — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 16:03:22 -0500

I would always ask new lower ranked team members 3 questions. What is the difference between leadership and management? What is the difference beyween fear and cowardice? What is the difference between pride and ego. If it took them more than a few words to explain I realized they did not understand the concepts. Then I would explain, you lead people, you manage processes. Fear is the aprehension of the unknown, cowardice is shrinking from it. And pride is a feeling of personal accomplishment, ego is what we think of ourselves. Leadership is not a position. Many people want to be the boss, but not the leader. Many people want to have the power, but not the responsibility that goes with it. And some people want the personal pride, read that ego, but don't want to share the pride with the whole team.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 24 at 2018 4:49 PM

MSG Charles Turner — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 16:49:00 -0500

Sir,

I agree that LEADERSHIP is NONE of these. However, LEADERSHIP is displayed in our positions (both in and out of the military). With Leadership can Come Power, although hopefully most of us don't desire to lead for it. And Pride in ones LEADERSHIP and the HONOR TO LEAD, is a Honorable Benefit as long as we don't let PRIDE get in the way of Effective Leading.

~ole Sarge~

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Feb 24 at 2018 5:14 PM

Cpl Scott McCarroll — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 17:14:57 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I truly believe that like being humble the minute you mention it yourself you're not humble anymore, so leadership is the same way. I look at the way you truly understand and want those around you to be the best that they can be.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 24 at 2018 6:07 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 18:07:36 -0500

Totally agree COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SGT Roger Bunton made Feb 24 at 2018 7:43 PM

SGT Roger Bunton — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 19:43:58 -0500

Leadership is an attitude....to do the right thing and teach and be supportive of your staff and your leaders. It only works if you all are going in the same direction.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Feb 24 at 2018 7:49 PM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 19:49:42 -0500

I will agree that leadership is not pride. However In a military sense NCO's and officers that are Squad Leaders, Platoon Sergeants, Platoon Leaders, etc, are said to be in leadership positions. Also the Army defines leadership as the power to influence others in accomplishing the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. That definition is also a question for a promotion board.

Response by LTC Mark Overberg made Feb 25 at 2018 8:28 AM

LTC Mark Overberg — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 08:28:43 -0500

Well said. Leadership is more than this, but it is definitely this.

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Feb 25 at 2018 9:33 AM

1SG Klayton W. Hayes — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 09:33:22 -0500

Leadership is:
1. Recognition. People naturally focus on the leader. No announcement required, soldiers simply go to at ease, and await directives.
2. Presence. Soldiers see you, they instantaneously stand a little taller.
3. Compassion. There is the time to discipline and a time to lend a shoulder and your team knows it.
4. Welfare. Families are foremost and soldiers are given maximum time to be with them.
5. Proficiencies. You know your job, your soldiers know theirs, and when you say let’s go there is no hesitation.

You can tell your peers, that is the best unit on POST, they know it is yours, and they just hang their head. That is LEADERSHIP!

Response by SP5 Billy Mullins made Feb 26 at 2018 6:14 PM

SP5 Billy Mullins — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 18:14:35 -0500

On the surface I would agree with the statement. With that said I agree with LTC Stephen F. about what leadership is. If you are an effective leader your subordinates will want to follow you to where ever and back. By instilling confidence in your team they will perform at there highest level for a mission accomplished with pride.

Response by COL John M Heller made Mar 9 at 2018 11:14 AM

COL John M Heller — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 11:14:59 -0500

Leadership is never asking a subordinate to do something that that you are unable or unwilling to do. Good leaders lead by example! Col J Heller Inf USA-ret

Response by SPC William Pearce made Mar 11 at 2018 6:52 PM

SPC William Pearce — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 18:52:42 -0400

I agree.

Response by PO2 Alexander Climacoclark made Apr 25 at 2018 9:59 AM

PO2 Alexander Climacoclark — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 09:59:43 -0400

From John Maxwell, a good lesson:

Response by CW4 Richard A. Dropik made Apr 26 at 2018 8:53 PM

CW4 Richard A. Dropik — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 20:53:21 -0400

Exactly correct.

Response by CW4 Richard A. Dropik made Apr 26 at 2018 8:53 PM

CW4 Richard A. Dropik — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 20:53:46 -0400

Exactly correct.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Apr 26 at 2018 9:17 PM

CPT Don Kemp — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 21:17:13 -0400

I agree with what is not. Over the years, I formed my “Three Requirements of Leadership” to state what Leadership is. Here are my 3 requirements:
1. Paint the Vision - paint a picture of where you want to go in a way that makes people want to follow.
2. Provide Required Resources - Great leaders can accomplish difficult goals with minimal resources because they ring every last drop.
3. Clear the Path - Ideally leaders will help clear the path of obstacles; at a minimum, they cannot throw obstacles in the path.
These were formed as a civilian corporate environment and may not apply equally to military requirements.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2018 7:46 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 19:46:25 -0400

I can't very well disagree, given that: Leadership also is not "three chickens eating an apple." Definition by exclusion just isn't particularly useful. Beyond that however I absolutely take issue with some of the underlying reasoning provided above.
If we accept that the definition of leadership provided by the army is sufficient - on the grounds that it has served us adequately under the most extreme circumstances for two and a half centuries I certainly think we should - then we should probably all object to the definition that:
"Real leadership requires personal influence - persuasion afforded by a long track record of strong relationships built by trust..."
Since Military leadership should never rely on "persuasion" and certainly isn't always backed by a "long track record" with every individual that might be influenced. Similarly some of the things mentioned as "building a reserve of trust" are out of line with how military leaders ought to behave. For example, if a subordinate knows whether or not a leader's "private life matches [their] public one" there's probably a problem.
Overall I think that there are a range of forms that leadership can take. Those forms are not equal, the kind, compassionate "influence" of a civilian leader works well enough in a professional environment absent immediate risks. It works less well however, even in a civilian setting, when risks and consequences become more immediate, such as running a crew of flaggers alongside a highway.
The military leadership style functions in the most extreme circumstances, "well enough," but if it's allowed to then it tends to scale "down" to less extreme circumstances much better than other forms scale "up."

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 27 at 2018 10:34 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 22:34:31 -0400

It is Not taking credit for other people's accomplishments.
It is Not blaming others when things go wrong.
It is Not abusing or misusing the people you are responsible for.

Response by CW4 Richard A. Dropik made Apr 28 at 2018 11:29 AM

CW4 Richard A. Dropik — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 11:29:04 -0400

Leadership comes with knowing the task at hand so thuroughly and in depth that you do not need to question yourself on every occasion when conducting a new mission or new troops. Those that are leaders will have followers volunteer to be in that group and perform by example. They in turn will train themselves to replicate making for the strongest bond of leadership achieved and continue to duplicate their efforts.

Response by TSgt James Lacey made May 11 at 2018 4:24 PM

TSgt James Lacey — Fri, 11 May 2018 16:24:03 -0400

I have always said leadership was different from 'being in charge' anyone can be in charge for a while. But a leader will cause those around him to work harder, and perform better without being obnoxious about it.

Response by Pvt Robert L. Lamoreaux made May 12 at 2018 10:18 PM

Pvt Robert L. Lamoreaux — Sat, 12 May 2018 22:18:58 -0400

I am no expert on "leadership", but in my simple little mind a "leader" or "leadership" cannot be defined without looking at the organizational philosophy: in order to "grow" leaders and endorse leadership (rather than "management") the entity has to not only support but must promote a team and teamwork ethic. I am realistic enough to recognize that this ethic - the value of teamwork - arguably has a ceiling. Upper eschelons may not benefit from "teamwork"...

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made May 14 at 2018 9:46 PM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Mon, 14 May 2018 21:46:17 -0400

1. Leadership is always a position , however the position does not make a leader , a leader makes the position
2 . Leadership is power ,however power does not make a Leader.
3. Pride of Leadership does not make a Worthy Leader . One who leads with Pride can become a legend

Response by Judah Freed made May 15 at 2018 7:57 PM

Judah Freed — Tue, 15 May 2018 19:57:10 -0400

Resources for Visionary Leadership:
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/characteristics-visionary-leadership-31332.html
Center for Visionary Leadership (http://www.visionarylead.org)

Characteristics of Visionary Leadership

You can become a visionary leader who inspires others by learning what makes a visionary leader different and then practice the tips on how to become one.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 9 at 2019 8:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 20:05:29 -0400

I subscribe that leadership includes position, power, and pride. However there is more to leadership like saying thank you to the subordinates and building morale. I want the unit to know I genuinely care about them and will create a culture that includes professional and personal growth, and we are driven by values which will guide them into the correct direction.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 4 at 2019 5:02 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 17:02:29 -0400

Yes, I do agree.