Does personality affect leadership style? In what ways?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 10:36:13 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 11:16 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 11:16:12 -0500

Yes it does.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 10:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:53:10 -0500

This is a great question. I would have that it does with no doubt. I have seen many leaders and while at IBOLC I was able to work with nothing but brand new 2LTs. In my platoon we had 44. I was able to access many in my platoon. I was honest and told some of them that they will have difficultly when they get to their first unit. They lack the decisiveness needed to be in leadership. It doesn't matter if you are in the Infantry or in the Signal Corps the leadership need to be solid and have a strong presence. Those that are reserved and quiet may have difficulty leading when put into a position where their decision may lead to success or failure. 

Response by SSgt Tim Meuret made Jan 12 at 2014 11:01 PM

SSgt Tim Meuret — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 23:01:15 -0500

Oh my yes! Just compare two successful Generals from WWII George Patton and Omar Bradley. They can be best described as night and day, but they both got results.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 10:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:09:35 -0500

Yes, personality does affect leadership style. I am an outgoing individual and treat everyone with respect regardless of rank, gender, creed, etc. I tend to want to be involved in all aspects, as I am a hands on individual. However, my 1SG actually took offense that an officer was doing "an enlisted task". He told me that I could show that I want to lead from the front, but that I needed to demonstrate some distance so other soldiers would not see me as their equal. I understand this perspective now that I have been in for 3 years (in two weeks). One of the philosophies I live by is that I will not ask / tell a soldier to conduct a task that I would not do myself. In my opinion, a successful leader is one that can relate to the soldiers, but maintain professional boundaries.