Posted on Nov 18, 2013

How do you define leadership?

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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? 

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Posted 12 y ago

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SSgt (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SSgt George Brown

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SPC Gary Basom

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SPC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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

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SSG(P) (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SFC James Baber

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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