Are the natural born leaders who aren't in a leadership position noticeable when in formation? Do they stand out aside from PT or academics?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 00:11:17 -0500

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 12:38 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 00:38:05 -0500

Yes, a true leader has a way about them. They are the ones who look for the weak and try and make them stronger. When asked a question they respond with confidence and instill calm among others. They work harder to prepare for a situation. "Fear is the absence of knowledge." Have you ever taken a test that you studied for and went into the room with confidence and then there was the time you went out with your friends and forgot to study? The saying above fits in the class room and in the battle field. We fear the unknown. Leaders whether in charge or not always want to eliminate "Fear."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 1:08 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 01:08:20 -0500

Yes. A natural leader is one that others move toward without question. They accomplish leadership through example and empowerment, encouraging and enabling others to be more successful instead of ordering, directing and controlling them.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 31 at 2016 1:14 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 01:14:58 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Leaders do not need to stand out in formation. True leaders manifest themselves, regardless of rank or position, when the situation is
needful. It just happens, everyone is surprised when it does!

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jan 31 at 2016 1:41 AM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 01:41:32 -0500

Yes, you can distinguish who is a leader and who is not. However, I've noticed there are many individuals in leadership positions who harbor ill will towards these leaders. I think it's from self-esteem issues, or the others trying so hard it makes them look lazy, but not every leader values the input of a 'true' leader.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Jan 31 at 2016 2:08 AM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 02:08:07 -0500

Sometimes yes - sometimes no. To put it all out in terms of appearance ("noticeable when in formation") is only one level. I can say in 22 years I knew and saw plenty of folks who were poster children for the Navy and Marine Corps - some were just "photogenic." I knew even more folks who might have not been quite that "photogenic" who were masters of their jobs and who their leaders could toss the keys to and would rest easy knowing they were on point.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 2:11 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 02:11:34 -0500

The ones with true leadership abilities are the ones who the chain of command will go to when they need to get things done. These individuals have proven to be reliable, unit oriented, and self motivated. Look around and notice who your CO and 1SG goes to outside of NCOs to get things done. Notice anything that separates these individuals from the rest?

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 31 at 2016 5:33 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 05:33:12 -0500

There is absolutely no one that is a natural born leader. You can take two people who have the same physical qualities and intelligence at birth and one can be a leader and the other a total slacker. By the time a person enlists in the military (about 18) a lot of their core values are formed. The young men and women who were raised with strong morals, work ethic and a desire to excel develop into the best leaders.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 8:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 08:11:27 -0500

I'm going to have to say you may be able to identify who in your ranks possess leadership abilities/traits, but them actually standing out not as much.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 2:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 14:05:11 -0500

A "natural" leader has inherent traits that cause others to follow their example, good or bad. They have charm, personal presence, an ability to remember details about associates, and decisiveness when faced with a choice.
For most, those are learned traits that we have to develop by being in leadership positions.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 9:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 21:37:11 -0500

I will say that as a young soldier leadership is something that may not be so easily identified. You will see many out there with ideas but most are far from being leaders. Leaders always stand out where ever they are. They don't always have to be in charge to lead but they can be the one that drives the success of the team and even help his appointed leader to do their best. It all comes down to their interaction with the team. As I mentioned before you will find many that are quick to criticize and complain when things are not going right. But they seldom have any constructive to say. They are not leaders by any means. When you have a soldier that knows the mission comes first and acts that way then you have the potential to be a leader. They will push themselves and encourage others to achieve. But you should be cautious of those "Spot Lighters" that only do this to look good. If you want to be a great leader then be a great follower first. Your leadership should notice and soon you will be in leadership.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 31 at 2016 11:14 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 23:14:06 -0500

I don't believe in natural born leaders SGT Private RallyPoint Member , but I do believe those who are natural leaders will stand out and rise to the top. Yes, they are noticeable.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 6:35 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 06:35:36 -0500

You can tell by their sphere of influence. That may be a textbook thing to say but when they effectively take charge of what they are allotted to control, it shows. In the military, it is evidenced by discipline.

Response by CSM Felipe Mendez made Feb 2 at 2016 2:04 PM

CSM Felipe Mendez — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 14:04:23 -0500

Leader have the ability to recognize "natural born leaders" regardless if they are or not in a leadership position. How? Natural leaders keep themselves well groom, performing their assigned job well, help others to strive for excellence, always in front of tasks and assignments. The natural born leader knows what needs to be done and they do it. They know right from wrong and adhere themselves to such qualities/values. They study/analyze current leaders and take the goods and strive to do better in the areas that he/she sees wrong/week. Natural born leader is constantly analyzing situations in which he/she would do the same actions or would do it different. The natural born leader is eager and hungry to learn and would approach the leaders/mentors that he/she think can make them better. PT and Academics have little to do with getting them ahead and promoted/assigned to a leadership position. There is the misunderstanding that if an individual is working on a leadership position, he/she would not get promoted. Example, SFC assigned as a First Sergeant, First Sergeant as acting Sergeant Major. Even though assigned to these position may help, it can hurt you as well. Is not the assignment to these position, is how well he/she performs while in them. Senior leaders have the ability to select leaders that he/she think can better the unit and will take care of their soldiers. They know that selecting a weak leader can bring problems and issues that could bring unsettlements within the organization. I, for one, do not believe on assigned an individual just because he/she has time in grade for a leadership position. I always analyzed the individuals and ask the question of how he/she can help the unit/Army if were placed in a leadership position. Once I assigned an individual, I keep close ties to make sure he/she succeed. I made the point to stop by the unit, section etc and check routinely to make sure that he/she is on the right track and they do not need my inputs. Once I knew that they were doing as expected, I left them alone and insure them that I was always available if need to.