What is your idea of a good leader?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 09:36:46 -0500

I believe a good leader is a servant.

I have seen too many people only concerned with how to reach the next level and fail miserable at the art of leadership. My idea of a leader is someone who will give extra hand or extra time to direct, coach and mentor people to be better version of them selves. A leader has not need to be better then others or to have servants but to be servant to others.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 1 at 2016 9:40 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 09:40:38 -0500

I fully agree with your SSG Private RallyPoint Member. Any one can be placed in the role of a leader but that does not mean everyone is able to be a leader. A leader, a true leader, maintains focus on the overall success of the team not just their individual success. A true leader is one that is able to make the hard calls when called upon but does so right along side the team and not at their expense. A great leader is one that remains humbled and caring.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 9:41 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 09:41:33 -0500

There is an excellent book on servant leadership by James C. Hunter called The Servant. Highly recommend it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 9:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 09:44:49 -0500

Very good post! A leader, like you said is a servant and also someone that you have complete faith in. Someone that will do the RIGHT thing no matter the outcome. Someone that you want to emulate, because they have a strong work ethic and are morally sound. Someone that exudes confidence, not cockiness.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 1 at 2016 9:55 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 09:55:48 -0500

A good teacher

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 10:05 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 10:05:23 -0500

A leader should be someone who makes themselves an asset to both the mission and the men. A "hard charger" can get results, but at great expense...and a "buddy" can contravene the greater purpose by playing to popularity. They don't ask people to do what they can't or won't do. A true leader doesn't separate their fortunes and those of them they lead. A true leader knows the difference between obedience and respect. They never use their position to take from their subordinates, and are the first to advocate for their people to their own superiors.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 10:36 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 10:36:21 -0500

Rolls up the sleeves and gets dirty with me. When unwarranted BS bullets come flying my way they jump in the way and deflect them. Taking extra hours outside of work call to ensure I am taken care of. Sets and lives the standards put out. Always teaching, always mentoring. And last but not least, when is all said and done, sits down and cracks a beer with me at the camp fire.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 10:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 10:36:51 -0500

A good leader is someone who can do what is expected as well as delegate to allow their subordinates to show that they can to do what is expected. A good leader can teach as well as follow when being taught. A good leader can be compassionate when it is needed and discipline without being indifferent. A good leader recognizes the good and acknowledges it. I can go on but these are just a few.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 2:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 14:16:57 -0500

Someone who builds that what will outlast them. There's a great deal of aspects to that, but the overall idea is it is not dependent on the leader to survive.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 1 at 2016 2:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 14:46:33 -0500

One who can impart in the team his/her vision for the team: teamwork, motivation, integrity, maximizing talent, cross training, balancing life, taking care of soldiers, having some fun. If the leader rallies for the troops, they will rally around the leader. The love for each other is the strongest bond.