Let's talk about leadership
 

What are the characteristics of a good leader? What are the most important things for someone to do if they want to lead others?

Here's a pretty fair example, Counselor:

Terry



http://www.wigmusings.com/Americana/sambird.html

Re: Let's talk about leadership
 

Start by learning to be a good follower.

TR

Terry: Good one!

TR: And then?

Identify leaders you admire and study how they led.

TR

I was just reading about.......
 

My 1SG gave each of us PSGs the book "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader" by John C. Maxwell. It is a very easy read and while I would classify it as one of those "self-help" books it does have a positive message.

The list is:

Character
Charisma
Commitment
Communication
Competence
Courage
Discernment
Focus
Generousity
Initiative
Listening
Passion
Positive Attitude
Problem Solving
Relationships (ability to get along)
Responsibility
Security (in ones self)
Self-Discipline
Servanthood (serving others vs. self-serving)
Teachability
Vision

Obviously there are varying degrees of each characteristic for any given type of leader but it seems pretty accurate. I particularly like the different quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Here is one from the 1st chapter by Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery that I found quite good.....(yes, I know he was a pain in GEN Patton's side, but even a good U.S. DAT like me can appreciate a good quote, even if it came from "Monty".)

"Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.":cool:

Damn Terry,

After reading about Sam Bird and BT, something got in my eyes...

You should have put a warning on that thread, "Warning, may cause severe reactions, watering eyes, running nose, and heart palpitations". I almost lost my cool.

Thanks,

Steve

Is there a difference between what you need to do to lead your peers and what you need to do to lead those under your chain of command?

My .02, whether it's your peers or those under you , EARNING their respect (by exhibiting, competence, care, etc.) goes a long way in making you a successful leader. That's probably the thing to remember is that being an effective leader is really dependent on those you are leading.

Credibility, vision.

It makes no difference if you are in the chain of command or leading peers in terms of what characteristics are needed to lead. The Chain of Command position simply gives you the legal tools to back up what you do. It may be more challenging to lead peers because those tools aren't there to fall back on (but very few of the men I considered leaders needed to make use of those legal tools often).

My squadron XO gave me some advice before I was sent to USMAPS.

"Do not try to make friends right away when assuming a new command. You will have plenty of time for that after you have proven yourself and gained thier respect. If you go in trying to be everyones buddy you will have a tough time when you need to be tough."

I'm curious to know if the BTDT's agree with that statement.

Very much, Valhal.

It is far more important to be respected than liked.

Concur, totally!

Terry

Couldn't agree more.

Trust, Loyalty and Ability
 

From my study group -

Trust - Does he trust us? Do we trust him?

Loyalty - Is he loyal to his men, to his job?

Ability - Is he able to do his job? Can he lead us or will he follow us?