A Soldier's performance is a direct reflection of his leadership!

I have heard it many times and I think it is an overused saying and not entirely correct. Some humans are just not cut out to be in the military no matter how good the leader.

I reversed it and use, a leader is a direct reflection of their Soldiers.

This is too true! My first NCOIC set the standard very high for me and I have held that same standard throughout the 3 units I've been in now. Just last week I was told to "stop being so high speed" because I went above and beyond what my shop was used to. I am a direct reflection of my first NCOIC and instill those same standards and values in my soldiers. I think the standard should always be set to the maximum and enforced because we are a direct reflection of our leaders, unit we are associated with and the military (given your respective branch). One big pet peeve of mine is s#*t bag soldiers scraping by and making the super stars look bad. End rant.

SSG Yvens Saintil, I agree that a service member's performance ultimately is a direct reflection of their leadership. However, this is a process. People's behavior does not change over night, just as an aircraft carrier does not turn on a dime.

I am grateful for the number of strong leaders that I have had in my life. They have kept me going generally in the right direction, although I have not always been the brightest student. They also say that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. A good leader is not only a good teacher, but a motivator as well. I am grateful for my mentors' patience and encouragement.

Finally, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make them drink. However, you can put salt in their oats. As leaders, we need to paint a vision of responsibility and performance that begins with our example.