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SPC Jeremy Williams
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1. Experience
2. Loyalty
3. Honesty
4. Being Congenial
5. Wisdom
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SPC Brandon Rodriguez
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Edited >1 y ago
After self evaluation and reflection on my past regarding on great leaders that I have encountered and the not so great ones, I can say that the most important trait in an authentic leader would be trust. As I dictate my thoughts about this question, I will be sharing my thoughts from the standpoint of a student. If there is no trust in your leader/student relationship, there will be very little professional development. Once there is trust with your leader, the student starts to understand and observe the choices and decisions that are made and directly impact their life. As a student, I learned early in my years that if I practice staying quiet, I tend to hear things that are important and learn things quicker than most people by simply observing the normal proper operation of things according to policies and procedures that have been put in place much before my time. With that being said, I believe any great leader will exhibit traits of being a greater follower. With being a greater follower, you are able to receive knowledge that allows you to share with others that may receive, learn and implement things at a slower speed. I would say that this is a great trait to have and exercise every day to help others along the way and make their lives simpler and more enjoyable. I believe that love for others, understanding, compassion, humbleness and desire to serve others will be the heart of all great leaders and flows from their being upon their students. A great leader will always put the needs of others before their own and never have their integrity questioned as they will always claim and acknowledge their mistakes to learn and make better decisions. The list could go on and on and I am sure that some traits are more important to others for certain reasons. As for me, these traits I have spoken about are the most important traits to me for a great authentic leader.

Brod
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CPL Dustin Haggard
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A good authentic leader will lead from the front, by example, with no double standard.
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Sgt Jose M. Martinez
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The principle trait found in an authentic leader would be a firm belief in God, because from such a trait, all other traits follow: Confidence, fair-mindedness, patriotic even to nationalistic levels, respect for our families, brother and sisters, a willingness to step forward to lend aid and assistance to others in need, and an unwavering dedication to all the traits just noted.

Best regards,
Jose M. Martinez
Vietnam Veteran, US Air Force, 1972-1976
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PFC Kirstin Cender
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Honor, Thoughtfulness, and willingness to believe they're not the whole answer; but learning from the team, as well knowing they would learn from me; and also knowing I can learn from them as well. Leadership means in a nutshell teamwork.
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SGT Edward Murie
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well trained leadship, aware of everything around you.Know your men and where they are. Follow orders as well or better than your men, safety at all times. respond to your mens questions and needs
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AB Paul Newman II
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Edited >1 y ago
This is very simple. Not a leader says, "I'm right behind you men, I got your back."
A leader says, "Follow me..."
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SPC Constance Leal
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An authentic leader must be willing to work as a team member, willing to take some blame and give the glory.
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SFC Matthew Fearing
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Understanding when the need for immediate decision is needed and when input is needed and helpful. Making subordinates feel heard and respected for what they can do.
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SPC Paul Anderson
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Great leaders teach, either practically or by their actions. Great leaders exemplify unselfish humility. Great leaders are decisive. Great leaders inspire others and give them room to work.
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SPC Andrew Bracero
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Edited >1 y ago
A leader list must be able to not only lead but know how to follow . They must be a servant to the people and create new cultures and enhance moral.
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GySgt Juan Galvez
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Over a 20-year career in the Marine Corps, I learned the traits that make an excellent leader are subjective. Sure, the Marine Corps offers "Leadership" schools: Corporals' Course, Sergeants' Course, Career Course and Advance Course, however, applying the lessons learned in these schools does not always result in subordinates, peers, and seniors buying into your leadership style. Although I could list genetic traits like, committed, forward-thinker, humble, approachable, direct, etc., these traits are subjective. Most people would agree the above traits are essential in an excellent leader, but I would argue the following: If the individuals who are being "led" do not place value on those traits, then than leader is not an excellent leader. Some individuals place more value on a leader that is friends with them...Some individuals place more value on a leader that is easy-going, "yes man", a leader that caters to them. Furthermore, I argue these leaders exists in the military and unfortunately, these leaders are not there to guide the institution in the right direction, they are there to be liked. Just my opinion.
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MSG(P) Rpac Supervisor
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The best traits of an authentic leader from my perspective are Honesty and Humility.
If you are honest with your troops and I mean really honest so that they understand why they are doing what they are doing and not just "well the CSM wants it this way" or "the CO said so" goes a long way in building trust which I believe is the corner stone of being an authentic leader.
The other most important facet is humility. Never act like you are too good to do something.
I recently went to Annual Training with a new unit I was assigned to. The Command team sat in the air conditioned range control office while the troops were out setting up all the tents we were to sleep in while we were there.
I went out (as a Chief Medical NCO rank MSG) and helped lift the poles, drive the stakes, and help direct the folks as we worked.
By the end of that day the entire unit would have walked through fire for me if I asked them to, simply because even though I'm a leader that is high up the chain I came and helped out for the common good of us all.
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SFC Jason King
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Understand and relay to others what the role of leadership means.
Don’t just say it, do it! A lot of people are afraid to take responsibility for actions taken as a leader, they want the title but not the responsibility!
Take the good with the bad and learn from your mistakes.
Don’t be afraid to speak up and give an opinion.
Always do the right thing no matter the consequences, just because you’re a leader doesn’t mean you’re always right.
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PV2 Mary Tyner-Smith
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Good evening:
I would like to say having a good listening ear and an open heart and let your action speak louder than your words. Show confidence, strong mindset and will power. Always ask God for guidance to help the next person reach their goal.
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Cpl Roger Spangler
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Many aproaches can be taken to the answer and circumstances should be considered but I believe "Quality decision-making and one's desire to obtain excellence" are 2 bullet points of leadership.
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SP6 Gwendolyn Pendergrass
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The traits of an authentic leader speaks volume of the leader character, his or her selfless service support of others, motivates, encourage, allow space and opportunities for optimal growth and development, monitors personal growth, does not focus on a person shortcomings and weakness but assist individuals in their current state of development and always lead by example.
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TSgt Brian Hubbert
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Being firm but at the same time being fair to situations, circumstances and with people.
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MSG Michael Wasco
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Being able to lead when necessary and at the same time encourage and insure everyone finds there pace and start and finish with you!
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CW2 Cornelius Williams Jr
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The willingness to understand that you don't know it all and the ability to adjust.
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