How do you define leadership?

MG Peter Bosse — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 20:33:40 -0500

One definition of leadership is anyone who has followers. Another definition is getting things done through others. When I think of leadership, I believe it's about providing vision and direction that causes others to pursue that vision and direction. What do you think? 

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 8:43 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 20:43:16 -0500

Leadership as I see it, is the ability to inspire. Whatever that cause may be, when you make a person feel welcome and part of something you bigger, you have instilled pride and improved a person or unit. And this does not end with active service. We all know Veterans in need and it is up to figure some way out to help. I plan on continuing to set a good example by my work in the community. Things like Typhoon Yolanda, homeless veterans and support of other veterans who are aging.

I see it at the VA all the time. We can all be nice to veterans past and present and to exemplify the characteristics we want our kids to have.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 11:16 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 11:16:05 -0500

Sir,

I think both are reasonable definitions. It depends on the circumstance. Sometimes I need my guys to become stakeholders in a mission, sometimes I just need them to get it done.

Either way, I owe it to my men to be the follower to my leaders I expect them to be for me. Which would be my definition I guess.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 12:22 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 12:22:30 -0500

Leadership is being the leader your soldier can aspire to be one day. Leadership is doing what is right and making the tough choices. These tough choices can be the ones your soldiers hate, but are for their own good and will better their physical and mental toughness. Leadership is looking out for your soldiers and communicating with them fully. Be the leader, Know your soldiers, and Do the right thing.

Response by PFC Norman Hanley made Nov 19 at 2013 8:39 PM

PFC Norman Hanley — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 20:39:08 -0500

A leadership philosophy is the
way we see ourselves as leaders. This philosophy guides our actions, our
behaviors, and our thoughts. Our philosophies are influenced by external and
internal forces. We can change who we are as leaders by simply changing our
philosophy of leadership. Leadership philosophies can change as you grow to
understand yourself within the context of leading.

Creating or finding your
leadership philosophy means that you must explore and reflect upon your
personal values, assumptions, and beliefs about leadership.

Personal values
are qualities or characteristics that you value. You would rather leave an
organization or step down as a leader than violate your values. Your values
guide your intentions and they influence how you lead. When your personal
values are clear and you are conscious of them, you create a solid foundation
for leading.

Assumptions
are ideas that are assumed or believed to be true. As a leader it is important
to understand what assumptions fuel your leadership thinking. Often leaders are
not aware of the assumptions because they are operating from certain paradigms
that will not allow them to see assumptions. Reflection into one’s leadership
is an excellent way to uncover assumptions.

Beliefs are
ideas that we hold to be true; they shape our realities. If a leader believes
that the only individuals in an organization that can make decisions is the
management staff, then that belief will influence how the leader treats others.
Beliefs can also be unconscious; they are for us a habitual way of thinking and
acting that it doesn’t cross our minds that our beliefs may be prohibiting us.

Response by LTC Rob Hefner made Nov 19 at 2013 8:58 PM

LTC Rob Hefner — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 20:58:09 -0500

Leaders develop other leaders. I used to think leadership was best defined as the ability to inspire others to do what they otherwise would not be willing to do. After the last five years of study I've changed my mind. Now I would define it as the ability to be who they otherwise would not be capable of being. Leadership is developing others, achievements are nothing but a welcome byproduct of doing so. Once we fully understand that leadership is about them, not us, our perspective changes and we can actually become a Soldiers first, mission always kind of Army.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 9:50 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 21:50:58 -0500

Sir, great question, for my input I'll have to concur with John C. Maxwell's thoughts on the subject, according to Maxwell... "Leadership is influence--nothing more, nothing less."

Although concise, I believe there is a lot to consider in those few words. I have reflected on Dr. Maxwell's statement often over the years, and consistently go back to it when analyzing historical leadership examples, and use it as a lens to view my own leadership, as well as my growth as a mentor--on the subject of leadership.

Excellent topic, thank you for posting, Sir; I look forward to seeing others' ideas on the subject!

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Nov 19 at 2013 10:49 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:49:34 -0500

Sir, respectfully I define Leadership by being the example, enlarging your subordinate's duties, challenging the comfort zone, and the ultimate ingredient is transparency for a Leader. Providing grace for lessons learned, pushing towards endurance and consistently developing junior subordinates by showing a passion for serving others. This starts from the top and down to the private. Leaders grow Leaders and protect their future, weed out the individuals who want to be served.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 12:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:08:44 -0500

I agree with all said, but defining leadership is easy! Now define the best leadership practices for all situations or even better, define what creates an excellent leader and is it possible for anyone to become one??

Toxic leadership is heavy among the current senior enlisted and commissioned and why? When is it hard to remember where you started? I'd say when the road never changes on your journey, you can never tell you've made it anywhere...but your feet are tired and that deserves the utmost sympathy...Soldiers these days just want the road to change because they can see where it takes you and its not in their personal interest...which is better, and sore footed Leader or a road changer?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 9:04 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 09:04:12 -0500

The Army textbook answer, which I think encapsulates the concept well is that “An Army leader is anyone who by virtue of assumed role or assigned responsibility inspires and influences people to accomplish organizational goals. Army leaders motivate people both inside and outside the chain of command to pursue actions, focus thinking, and shape decisions for the greater good of the organization.” FM 6-22, para. 1-2. However, sometimes, the “organizational goals” can be nebulous, especially at the higher rungs of leadership where leaders are expected to derive those goals from national priorities. It is especially at that stage that leaders need a vision nested in history, philosophy, and strategic thinking. This discussion reminds me of War College.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 9:30 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 09:30:54 -0500

I
think you’ve pretty much shacked it. Instilling
in others the desire to follow, along with generating and maintaining a mass of
followers, is true leadership. I have
always found it interesting to note that leaders often do not get to choose
whether or not to lead.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 20 at 2013 1:56 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 13:56:28 -0500

Sir, leadership is about influence and foresight. It is the capacity to see beyond what is, and then by virtue of strong relationships with the led, inspire action that transforms an organization, situation, circumstance, or achieves a goal; completes a mission, or alters the status quo in a positive way. Leadership is about the ability to effect positive change.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 12:43 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 00:43:43 -0500

Sir, as a recent graduate of Aviation Captain's Career Course and now as an instructor of Aviaton Basic Officer Leadership Course / Warrant Officer Basic Course, I am deeply invested in the doctrinal definition - "the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization." This definition from ADP/ADRP 6-22 seems to succintly incorporate the most essential parts of Army leadership. While I of course cannot claim the definition to by mine, I do adopt it wholeheartedly.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 11:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 11:04:56 -0500

In addition to all of the things answered in this post, leadership is also service.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 11:12 AM

BG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 11:12:41 -0500

Leadership is the ability to be fair to the extent that you do the right thing for the right reasons that serve in the interest of the mission and those whom you lead. You use your position of authority and station to improve the well being of Soldiers while adhering to the Army Values. You mentor the junior leaders of today to be the senior leaders of tomorrow and the hardest environment in the Army to do this is in the Reserves where training time is limited, civilian obligations are a reality, family time is impacted and career advancement is a challenge. No where else do I see these realities being more challenged than the TPU and DIMA programs.

Question: How do senior leaders develop and retain these junior leaders of tomorrow given the financial and personal expense to them. The 2014 QDR address some of these challenges in regards to the ever evolving Reserve Operational Force and the need to have RC shift to BPC in order to utilize our highly talented Soldiers in the total operational force which in turn helps to retain these folks to be our future leaders. Keeping RC engaged in solid training and mission helps to keep our RC not only ready but our Soldiers engaged and that results in productivity, pride of service and better leadership development.

Response by CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. made Nov 21 at 2013 2:22 PM

CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:22:29 -0500

Sir,

Leadership is the clear, consistent, and predictable communication that enables the accomplishment of organizational objectives.

I would specify that communication relates to both the verbal and non-verbal components, incorporating the Be-Know-Do.

Response by PO2 Alex M. made Nov 21 at 2013 6:01 PM

PO2 Alex M. — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:01:09 -0500

I think that the basis of leadership is competence,
integrity and ambition. One needs to be competent in what it is that they are
doing, one’s concept and explanation of integrity needs to be congruent with
what it is that they are doing and one needs to have ambition to reach for a
vision and follow through with it. The world is constantly changing and many
times organizations can clearly see that change is coming but they refuse to
act and they are put in a manufactured crisis because of this refusal to act
when the change is forced upon them. A leader with ambition can avoid a crisis
of this type. A look at the administration of the healthcare industry over the
last 40 years can illustrate this point. Competence and integrity are a necessity
if one wants to inspire and lead people. Transparency can also be listed but
that goes along with integrity. One can say that competence and integrity are
the basis of management.

Leadership is about vision while management is about administration.
An organization needs both to function and often times a leader flows through a
continuum between being a leader and a manager. The question now is how to lead
people? There are many schools of thought on this, some focus on the tasks at
hand, some focus on the people being lead and some focus on the traits of the
leader. There is no clear winner but the evidence points to the school of thought
focusing on the people as being more effective. For changing organizations the
winner seems to be transformational leadership. A summary of this type of
leadership can be found at this link below.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/200903/are-you-transformational-leader

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 9:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 21:36:32 -0500

Sir, I see it as organizing a group of people to achieve a common goal.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Nov 21 at 2013 10:02 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:02:36 -0500

Sir, to me leadership is the ability to build a team from nothing, convince people to add to their plate, tasks that will help your cause.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 22 at 2013 8:10 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:10:21 -0500

Sir, I echo many of the points already explained here. I would sum up my thoughts as Be, Know, Do -- Be what's right, Know what's right, Do what's right.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 2:04 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:04:47 -0500

It is about providing the vision that others, through a variety of circumstances/inputs, take and "do", within the associated guidance, because they believe.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 4:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:41:39 -0500

Sir, to me, leadership is setting the example on how to conduct yourself, accomplishing your missions, and caring for those in your charge, thereby motivating them to do the same. I used to think it was to just get people to do what you wanted them to. So not true. if a leader will but do those three things, those in his/her charge will want to emulate that leader, or so I've discovered in my own experiences.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 10:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:30:02 -0500

Leaders provide
purpose, direction, motivation, and getting the best out of people. In supporting your viewpoint, leadership in this capacity is one that manages people so that
they work together no matter how diverse, for the common purpose of achieving
organizational goals.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 10:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:31:47 -0500

Sir,

Leaders provide purpose, direction, motivation, and getting the best out of people. In supporting your viewpoint, leadership in this capacity is one that manages people so that they work together no matter how diverse, for the common purpose of achieving organizational goals.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 11:10 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 23:10:34 -0500

That job performance and social awareness are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Common sense means knowing how to get the best out of each other without causing undue stress. Sometimes our opinions have to be sublimated to ensure unit effectiveness. Meaning is something that important to alienate an otherwise good troop. We are not emulating George Patton and his ideas about whatever, but being an accountable true leader.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 11 at 2013 11:28 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 23:28:12 -0500

To me besides all the philosophies, definitions, beliefs, etc...the one thing that makes you a leader is FOLLOWERS. You can have all the training, character, skills, traits you want; if you turn around and there's no one behind you, you are NOT a leader.

So I think the MOST important quality of a good leader is his/her followers. I believe the way you measure a leader is by the ability of his followers to accomplish the vision of the leader.

This goes all the way back to kindergarten. You may think you are the line leader in your class, but if you turn around and see no kids behind you, your just a silly looking kid roaming the halls all alone.

Response by SGM Jerry Finin made Dec 12 at 2013 1:02 AM

SGM Jerry Finin — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 01:02:46 -0500

Every leader at one point was a follower before they were a leader with that being said, my philosophy was be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform with a good attitude and you could not go wrong. Set the example and treat every body with dignity and respect. I lived by that and as a leader I expected it from my Soldiers.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 12 at 2013 9:54 AM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 09:54:40 -0500

Lead from the front, I would never have asked any of my Soldiers to do any task that I would not be willing to take on my self, and would set the example by showing them what was either required or what my desired result was wanted. That is what I pretty much continued throughout my career after I became the leader I was taught to be as I moved up the NCO ranks.

Response by A1C Michael David Severson made Dec 16 at 2013 9:49 PM

A1C Michael David Severson — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:49:42 -0500

Leading has some characteristics akin to teaching. So, allow me to embellish on that for a moment.

Any good teacher began as a good student, and remains one for life. There is always something to learn. That is a circumspect and humble attitude that never allows education to become obsolete.

During my tenure in the Command and Control field, we had recurring training every month. I learned something new each time, and my proficiency grew as a result. My knowledge base expanded as well.

Second, an excellent teacher does not presume to be all-knowing, the final word on a topic etc.. Teaching should be interactive and inductive in nature. In so doing, it facilitates the learners to discover what is already inside of themselves, to express and enrich it, and then to amplify the quality of the learner's knowledge base.

If anyone remembers the series, "Paper Chase" with John Houseman years ago, Houseman played a college professor that declared to his students that their heads were full of mush, that he was going to transform into something useful.

I say this to illustrate an antithesis for contrast to what I said previously. I am sure it is glaring contrast at that. The man put no confidence in anything the students might have possessed, or deemed what they did possess as unworthy of merit.

The truth is, the greatest asset is human capital. That should never be minimized. It should instead be focused, utilized in a manner that is best suited for each individual for a particular role, capacity and vocation. This insures the best of each contributing member.

Having said all this, take teaching, and simply trade the word leadership for teaching. A significant amount of cross-pollination is present, which we can apply. Good leadership, like good teaching, motivates, inspires, and earns respect.

Add the element of respecting human capital as an asset, and you have loyalty, unit cohesion and effectiveness overall in this equation.

Finally, excellent teaching and leadership share one more characteristic that is possibly the best outcome of all: reproduction. What is caught, and not merely taught, becomes the catalyst to spread the example far and wide, whether in a minor role or a major one in both society or in any level of the armed services.

Response by PO2 Orlando Sims, MPA made Dec 19 at 2013 12:58 AM

PO2 Orlando Sims, MPA — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 00:58:46 -0500

Leadership is learned by first excelling as a follower. Individuals learn leadership skills by observing their leaders and incorporating these traits into their lives.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 27 at 2013 8:53 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 08:53:43 -0500

Get the job done, and make 'em wanna do it!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 9:16 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 09:16:01 -0500

Causing others to want to follow.

Response by SSgt Kory Harper made Dec 27 at 2013 10:29 AM

SSgt Kory Harper — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 10:29:23 -0500

Remember where you came from.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 28 at 2013 5:09 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 05:09:36 -0500

Intentional influence that is directed, implied and/or inferred.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 11 at 2014 11:07 PM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 23:07:22 -0500

I think this is a good thread for those we are trying to get to join can see the substance of some things we discuss between us as current and former military, soft spoken as well as informational and mentoring types of postings.

We also have fun at times while remaining professional.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 4:12 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 16:12:11 -0500

Sir, to me leadership is about more than providing purpose, motivation, or direction, or even vision. As leaders. We should be able to perform all required tasks given to our soldiers proficiently, whether MOS related, or battle drills related. We should also train our soldiers to one day take our place as future leaders. We also have to show them we truly are concerned with the issues they bring to us. That is just my opinion on leadership.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 9:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 09:53:14 -0500

Sir, true leadership is not defined by title or position but by action and example.

Response by SPC Gary Basom made Jan 25 at 2014 3:32 AM

SPC Gary Basom — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 03:32:25 -0500

Leadership is the core of the military, but it should never be overlooked that all servicemembers are if by combat or significant circumstances, to be put into a leader roll until replaced or promoted. Each SM from the highest rank to the lowest should be able to basically lead. Example: From Sergeant to corporal, corporal to specialist. In history it has been known that privates have lead platoons...but only in the worst known situations. It is not a mistruth.

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 2 at 2014 1:24 AM

SSgt George Brown — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:24:37 -0500

I read a book that was very influential in my understanding of leadership. These are 5 principles that it teaches:

- Learning: a leader must be able to learn from anyone
- Performing: perservere through failure to find success
- Leading: extend your ability by expanding your team
- Developing Leaders: learn to trust your people
- Develop Leaders who Develop Leaders: create a legacy

From Launching a Leadership Revolution by Brady and Woodward.

I especially liked the portion that talked about the leadership skills of Nelson which innovated Naval Tactics. All the time they were chasing the French Navy, they were doing Naval Exercises and each night the Captains of each ship would have an officers mess on Nelson's ship, when they finally met the French Fleet, the British fleet annihilated it within 3 hours.
I think this is also a great way to function personally. One should think about what actions to take when different scenarios comes into ones life. What you will do if faced with an angry person, how to deescalate the situation. What to do when your child achieves a particularly challenging level of academics or position, what you would do when placed in a difficult position regarding your marriage, business, or parenting.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 2:43 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 02:43:07 -0500

TRUE leaders provide concrete examples to live by. The thing that inspires me is that more senior leaders come here and we have the respect of those leaders. Leaders are strong enough to withstand criticism and smart enough to instill leadership in others.

I had very few issues with pilots and they with me. The know when a forecaster makes weather less of issue. Pilots have more than just weather to deal with and they like forecasters who are honest. This is a team effort and grateful for any advixe.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 4:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 04:00:47 -0500

Sir, great question. I concur with your initial comment but I would add that a leader is someone who is truly willing to take responsibility for the actions of their organization, and be willing to humble themselves to the better ideas of a subordinate. A leader can not lead if they themselves are not willing to follow, in some form or manner.

Response by SCPO Albert Lee Smith made Mar 12 at 2014 3:29 PM

SCPO Albert Lee Smith — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:29:21 -0400

Overall, I define Leadership as pushing people beyond their own, self-imposed limitations. However, I define Leadership differently depending on who I'm leading at that moment.

No two people respond to the same type of leadership in the same manner. Some will need you to be a hardass, a micromanager, or to just simply let them do their job. Let it be known, up front, that all people under your charge will be held accountable for their actions equally, both in recognition and in punitive measures. Communicate your goals right up front; leave no room for interpretation. To the best of your abilities, take on a "servant leader" mindset, that is to say that the strength of your leadership is reflective of how you help and support those under your charge, not the other way around. Keep your motivation internal (your personal values and goals, things that can't be taken away from you) and your focus on those under your charge. There are three metrics that you can use to measure the effectiveness of your leadership abilities.

Like - the way you make people feel.
Trust - that blind faith people have that you won't throw them under the bus.
Respect - your proven track record.

You can lead effective without the Like. It makes it easier sometimes, but shouldn't be the first thing you go for. As for trust and respect, walk in the door giving it, then you'll receive it from them.

Always keep in mind that you're just giving them what they want. If they want praise, they will do something for you to give them praise. If they want a punitive action, which may include firing them, their actions will indicate that to you as well. I've never fired someone whose actions didn't ask me to do it.

Hope that doesn't muddy up the waters. Just my .02.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 17 at 2014 3:02 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:02:55 -0400

I'll follow anybody who is willing to chew the same dirt as me.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Mar 17 at 2014 3:19 PM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:19:39 -0400

The capacity to create a positive environment which induces people to produced desired results.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 24 at 2014 12:58 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 00:58:10 -0400

Conducting basic drill & ceremonies helps the confidence and comfort in front of the small team. Several items that help development begins with understanding how and when to conduct counseling. The composition of and need for a leaders book. And finally we are completing a certification program within the unit, which will increase competence and leadership attributes.

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Mar 24 at 2014 1:46 AM

SSG Lisa Rendina — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 01:46:09 -0400

Agree CSM U., the ability to move a group of people from one place to the next does wonders not only for leader self-confidence, but subordinate confidence in the leader.

Response by SGT William B. made Mar 24 at 2014 2:06 AM

SGT William B. — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 02:06:41 -0400

Always make another pot of coffee if you take the last cup!

Seriously though, I'd encourage soldiers at my stage of the game to start developing the capacity to eat crow gracefully. Learn that it's okay to ask for help instead of trying to power through everything like I tried to do -- I usually complete the mission, but it was a lot more of a headache than it should have been. Ask questions. Own your mistakes, LEARN from them, instead of trying to be every other "hooah hooah ra-ra" meathead in uniform these days. Get to know your soldiers; I can't stress this enough, and it infuriates me to no end to see commanders and section leaders that have no idea what their own soldiers are like, especially since it's a simple as inviting them over to sit down with you at lunch.

Just a little story:

I had some growing up to do after AIT, but my biggest problem was asking for help. At that point in my life, I would have rather taken a fail than accept help from anyone else. When I found myself unemployed and nearing homelessness several months after AIT, I failed an APFT. Thankfully, I was in what I still consider to be the best unit in the MIRC at the time, and nearly immediately, the battalion commander, company commander, first sergeant, platoon sergeant, and my new squad leader, a SGT M, started asking me what was going on. At that time, I was couch-surfing over at different friend's houses and rationing $.25 packs of ramen. At 6'3, I weighed in at about 145 lbs.

My 1SG and I had a long talk, and he eventually got me enough guts to ask my dad to move back home, which happened. SGT M personally mentored me with getting back in shape and getting back to where I needed to be. A few months later, I got a job at Best Buy, which sucked, but hey, it paid the bills and I could actually buy my own meals for the first time in a long time. Money was still tight, so the deal was that I would drive over to SGT M's house and catch a ride up to Ft. Huachuca to use the gym up there. One day, we came back to his house to pick up my car, and his wife, another SGT in the unit, had packed about three big paper grocery bags with a lot of food in them, just for me.

I don't like admitting it, but I ugly-girl cried the entire way home. They just had their first child, SGT M was going to school, and his wife worked as an instructor on post. Where they got the money, I have no clue.

I've had to eat a lot of humble pie in my short lifetime and short career in the military. I think about it, and a lot of the heartache could have been avoided if I could have dropped whatever pride I was holding onto and just asked for help. Even on this deployment, there's a lot of instances where I think back and know that I could have made things easier for myself and others had I just the damned sense to know that I didn't have to do it all on my own. I suppose that's the core of the military: the team. How well it functions, how well those soldiers work with each other, how well they know each other... it all (hopefully!) comes together in the end.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 11:58 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 23:58:05 -0400

My personal view of leadership is inspiring your men, or women, to take pride in oneself, the organization, and their leaders. Insure that they understand following orders or accomplishing tasks whatever they maybe improve their piece of the pie. Leaders should work alongside their subordinates, to show that we are not exempt to the suck. When that pride is obtain the subordinate will function independently toward the common goal. Whether that goal maybe a laundry list of administrative task or a mission that is crucial to the overall operating picture, the subordinate will complete the task above standard because they have that pride. If they fall short, they will feel disappointed in themselves and minimum correction will need to be made, because they will fix the issue on their own. This is simply done and all any subordinate will need is a task, a purpose, the commanders intent, and an endstate.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 5:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:22:20 -0400

Not looking for the typical board response. LOL.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 5:30 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:30:19 -0400

COL Peter Mohan Rest in Peace A Soliders Soldier

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 7:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:28:03 -0400

Best example of leadership - "This is what I want, make it happen."

Worst example - "This is what I want, make it happen." Then changes the parameters close to the finish line.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 11:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 23:41:58 -0400

My best leaders have not only been competent at their jobs, they are patient and care about the success of their Soldiers. They are willing to take the time to mentor Soldiers for success, and they want to see their Soldiers succeed. They also uphold the standard and enforce that same standard.

My worst leader was one who demanded respect because he made a certain rank. He was great at accomplishing the mission, but he didn't seem to care about Soldiers' morale, families, or personal issues. He only cared about accomplishing the mission and nothing else. He talked down to Soldiers, had very little patience, and would often fly off the handle, screaming and yelling about simple routine things. It was too common to hear doors slamming, him punching walls, throwing things, screaming at Soldiers, etc. That kind of leadership lost him the respect of his Soldiers and NCOs. He was my best example of what I DON'T want to be as a leader.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 10:01 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 10:01:01 -0400

Spot on! Your leadership potential is what earns you the privelege of gaining rank!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 3 at 2014 10:02 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 10:02:08 -0400

Very true. Just because you have 3 up and 1 or 2 down doesn't make you a leader. I've seen E4s act more like leaders than some NCOs. I've seen NCOs act more like leaders than some Officers. Leadership is shown by your actions, not by what is on your chest.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 3 at 2014 10:02 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 10:02:12 -0400

Agreed... There isn't a piece of cloth on the planet that you can stick on your chest that will magically make you a leader. It's what you DO that defines you as such..

Response by SSG Anthony Schoepp made Apr 3 at 2014 11:17 AM

SSG Anthony Schoepp — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 11:17:26 -0400

I was taught this as I was coming up in the ranks, there is a difference between an E-5 and a Sergeant. An E-5 is there to get paid and go home. A Sergeant is there to train, develop and mentor Soldiers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 11:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 11:22:58 -0400

I like it

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 5:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 17:10:38 -0400

I could write a book on what leadership is sir. If I had to define leadership in one sentence, it would be someone who takes all of the blame, and none of the praise.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 4:53 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 16:53:31 -0400

To be frank, BG Bosse captured leadership completely when he stated that it's basically anyone who has followers. To caveat that, there are good leaders...and there are bad leaders. No matter how it's diced up, they are still both leaders.

How one defines a good leader will depend on what is most important to them. Most should agree that a component of good leadership is the ability to accomplish the mission. I personally find this extremely important as too many times I see leadership distracted with great ideas, such as developing followers, but at the expense of completing the mission. At one time, I would have placed good leadership focused around followers...but as I get old, I'm reminded how important it is to not get side-tracked on the main purpose for taking up that leadership in the first place. As a best practice, servant-leadership works, but leadership in and of itself is purposefully founded on achieving a specific goal through a vison.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 23 at 2014 9:25 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 09:25:48 -0400

Ability to inspire others to perform their duties as well as being able to follow and listen when necessary.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 24 at 2014 12:04 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 12:04:58 -0400

BG Pete, I agree about providing vision and direction...sharing vision with appropriate action and a sense of urgency may have a greater impact. We don't live in a Utopian society so there are many challenges in vision sharing. Like minds think alike. We would like to think that the military organization would have like mindedness as a whole, such as sharing the same language, performing in teams and working together, yet our military is a system and follows a certain systemic phenomena, that is, military leadership.

Broken vision can be fixed with drill and ceremonies, even with civilian observers/participants, such as at the top levels of the military organization. It reminds the SM who is on the left, right, front and rear in a military formation. It also trains the mind and body to respond to preparatory commands and commands of execution, which may gain the attention of civilian observers/participants. The uniform services niche is not for everyone due to the specific style of leadership, military leadership...to influence in such a manner as to accomplish the mission, or die trying.

Civilian society has always been in awe, as to how Soldiers march together, live and fight, and die together, and academia has been dissecting and taking apart the military organizational behavior since it's generational era of impact; after battles. They come close in understanding, but should they put on the uniform, and join the formation within the ranks, they will not fully understand a Soldier's sacrifice and loyalty of the same.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made May 7 at 2014 7:47 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Wed, 07 May 2014 19:47:01 -0400

BG Bosse,

My definition for leadership is: The right person at the right place and the right time who makes the right decisions. My leadership credo is summed up in this: When we succeed the credit goes to the Soldier or Soldiers who accomplished that success. In instances where we fail to accomplish a set goal, the responsibility rests with me as a leader. Leadership requires vision and direction as you related, and from your activity level on this forum it is obvious you are a leader who is in touch with his troops.

Adding to this is the concept of: allowing subordinates to learn from mistakes, especially when the decision which resulted in a mistake is in support of your (the leaders) goal.

Punishment becomes needed when leaders fail to learn from previous mistakes or when someone intentionally wrongs the organization or an individual.

Respect is another key facet of leadership. Respect, such as you depict here by taking the time to post and read the posts of others, is reciprocal and needed at all levels of leadership.

Communication is key to success in leadership. One way communication is rarely effective, but sometimes needed to accomplish an immediate need. Being able to have frank and open discussions which are professional allows other leaders to grow. Understand and adopt a policy of loyal dissention. This concept means we agree in public and discuss in private any disagreement we may have. Learn to be an active listener. The youngest Private may have an idea which revolutionizes the Army.

Tying all of the aforementioned concepts together means loyalty, respect, communication, and direction. The one element not mentioned, which is tantamount to a successful leader, is trust. Subordinates must trust their leaders and conversely, leaders must trust subordinates. Trust is developed over time and based on actions, words, and deeds.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment,

SFC Joseph M. Finck

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 11 at 2014 10:20 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Sun, 11 May 2014 22:20:24 -0400

Accomplish your mission and take care of your troops. Everything else is a function of how you execute-whether good or bad. A good leader will accomplish the mission and take core of their troops. A not so good one will not. Lousy ones get people hurt and/or killed unnecessarily.

Leadership uses motivation, excellent training, fosters good morale, and lets their troops know that their trust and loyalty is a two way street. Someone kissing their bosses ass or looking for ribbons is a liability to everyone involved. Leadership is about teaching the skills to survive the next battle.

Leadership is taking care of your troops and their families after they ETS and you are retired.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 4:05 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 May 2014 16:05:38 -0400

As a leader in the Army I would define it, in regard to the Army, as ensuring your Soldiers and trained and ready to conduct their wartime mission, at all times. Ensuring that they know that they are not in the Army for any other reason than to fight and win wars.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 12:25 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 12:25:35 -0400

Sir, I like think about it as a mirror. If you would not follow your self as a leader then we need to rethink of our leadership stile. To be a leader, first we need learn how to follow and then we understand that a leader is one who not only seeks self-accomplishment but a leader that seeks the development of our subordinates. Nothing will motivate someone to follow more than when they understand and see that the leader genuinely cares for them. That builds trust and loyalty. That is when the relationship changes from just respecting the rank and position to an association of the individual as their leader and a true commitment to each other and the organization.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 8:36 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 20:36:05 -0400

Sir,

I've come across this very thread a dozen times at least and each time, left it be thinking it is not my place to comment on it. However, I believe I have an answer to your question. It is an assessment of what leadership often is in many cases and what it should be.

Leadership is an umbrella term that encompasses thousands of different types of "leaders". It is comprised of people who for whatever reason have stepped up to the plate and have decided to take responsibility for accomplishment of a task through utilization of a team.

But there should be more to leadership than that. Many leaders in my limited experience are focused solely on accomplishment of the goal at hand. And to say that the goal at hand should not be the central focus is wrong, but to say it should be the only focus is equally wrong.

Leadership, in its truest form, is being able to motivate your subordinates to perform the goal at hand. It is also being the one who holds the career for which the death knell rings when failure should be at hand. Because leaders that is what leadership is; it is being the person to blame when failure is at hand and the person who points to his men for whom gratitude should be given to when success is at hand.

Leadership is knowing that you are the least important person on the team (whether it be Military or Private Sector), because the team can function without you. You can not function without the team. And it is for that reason that you should always place their welfare first, because they are the people who allow you to do your job. They assist you in accomplishment of your goals or completion of your mission which is why a good leader should never forget that the welfare of their subordinates should always come first.

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 2:39 PM

LtCol Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 14:39:04 -0400

Leader = Teacher, coach, mentor. Actions are the standard for emulation. Immediately accountable for mistakes and absolutely responsible for performance of organization as well as self. Embraces risk and mitigates unwanted outcomes instead of avoiding danger all together (personal, professional and environmental). Firm, fair expectations of organization, self, subordinates, peers and superiors. Energetic, enthusiastic and fun to work for/with.

Response by COL John Rosnow made Jun 27 at 2014 10:31 PM

COL John Rosnow — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 22:31:16 -0400

I certainly agree with that sir as well as the other comments here.

I also think that leadership is getting people to do accomplish a goal or do something they would not normally do on their own.

Leaders also instill confidence in others to make them better than they were before without expecting anything in return.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 3:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 15:39:09 -0400

We could write many books on this subject, and many books have already been written. But this pic alone sums it up for me.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Aug 6 at 2014 6:35 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 18:35:29 -0400

BG Pete,

I am retired from active duty 18 years ago this year, and no longer a military leader. I am going to take this on at a different level based on chemistry.

The way I define leadership would be dependent on where I am at, who are my people if any, and the situation. Like in military leadership, it is motivation with a sense of urgency. Leadership is chemistry. This type of chemistry activated by certain natural phenomena on a personal and professional manner; military chemistry is both good, bad, and can be ugly.

Good military chemistry is when people listen, and they are inspired and actively take part in something worth living and dying for. It is how leaders enable and empower, through their influence and persuasion their people to follow them to hell and back. Well planned and executed mission. Good day at the office.

On the flip side...We all heard of toxic leadership, well am here to say that's high risk chemistry. When all else fails...the probability of failure is greater but somehow it is the human spirit that is the defining element of success. And Lady Luck. The gamble paid off and now for some well needed medication.

As humans we cannot measure the human spirit, but we can come close to its predictability.

Ugly chemistry is post-mortem. This is when the leadership action has been taken and it aint pretty. The mission was accomplished but it was an eew. Bad day at the office. Tomorrow is another day.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 10:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:01:40 -0400

"Leadership is providing purpose, direction and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization." ADRP 6-22. I believe this sums it up pretty good.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 12:44 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:44:16 -0400

Leadership is motivating others to accomplish the mission.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 7:23 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 07:23:54 -0400

Wisdom in my mind is the ability to constantly learn not only from one's own mistakes and experiences, but also through observing and noting the mistakes and experiences of others. I believe that leadership can only be effective with wisdom. In other words, a leader is someone who constantly takes the experiences and lessons learned from their own decisions, the good decisions of others, and the bad decisions of others, and uses that knowledge to figure out how best to get the job done. Most importantly, leading is about allowing those below and above to become leaders and better leaders by both leading with empowerment and following with reverence as well as one can. The most effective people at any profession are those who go by the maxim "anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time around," and this is done by giving above and beyond the minimum effort needed to barely accomplish the mission: Leaders should always strive to outdo themselves.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made May 9 at 2015 8:33 AM

CW5 Jim Steddum — Sat, 09 May 2015 08:33:04 -0400

I like quotes from Simon Sinek on leadership: There are leaders and there are those that lead... Those that lead, inspire us. We follow those that lead not because we have to, but because we want to. The follow those that lead not for them, but for ourselves.

Simon Sinek --- How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Simon Sinek has a simple but powerful model for inspirational leadership all starting with a golden circle and the question "Why?" His examples include Apple...

Response by MG Stephen Hogan made May 11 at 2015 10:57 AM

MG Stephen Hogan — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:57:37 -0400

An individual, inside the formal chain of command or informally within the organization, who validates the mission by his level of credibility.

Good to see you Pete.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 11 at 2015 11:12 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 11 May 2015 11:12:30 -0400

This one is tricky because so many pundits create a new word, copyright it, and then somehow it's supposed to be real. 7 Habits, Situational, what's your quadrant? etc. We tend to try and solidly define things with imperfect words. And that creates too many canned answers.

Let's flip it. Remember when it was I don't know what ponography is but I know it when I see it? We've seen leadership in E-1s to O-Whatevers. It what makes you do whatever it takes for success, as you buy into it. Most leaders have their detractors simply because they don't buy into their style or method.

So whatever mix and match of positives and negatives in a leader that gets most all the fish swimming the same direction is the result. There's no magic blueprint here. The descriptors tend to be ingredients that increase the likelihood of successful leadership, but are no guarantee. We've seen incredible leaders who pancake because wrong place, time, and problem. Take a look at Winston Churchill post WW-2. It would have been interesting to watch the show if Patton survived to make a three ring circus with Mac and Truman.

Response by CPT Alex Lamb made May 13 at 2015 7:38 PM

CPT Alex Lamb — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:38:11 -0400

A leader is someone who sacrifices themselves for the betterment of those who follow, not necessarily subordinate.

A leader will choose development over anger, selfless choices over him/herself.

Place your subordinates before yourself, teach your subordinates to take your position.

Leadership is understanding that your time is THEIR time. How they spend it, or waste it, is entirely up to the person they follow.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 13 at 2015 7:41 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:41:50 -0400

Someone who have knowledge and experience to lead anyone to the right direction.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2015 8:56 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 20:56:10 -0500

There are hundreds of books on leadership and countless definitions. My thoughts on leadership is do the right thing all the time and be the kind of leader that people want to follow. Lead from the front and be a good role model. I know that's very basic, but it's the little things that add up and if you do the small stuff properly each day, eventually you become that leader.

Response by PVT William Bresch made Dec 29 at 2015 9:12 AM

PVT William Bresch — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 09:12:19 -0500

Bringing out the best in one, so that they can achieve their goals to become what they, were destined to be in the first place.