MILITARY LEADERSHIP
(Lesson Hand out)
Introduction
The history of warfare teaches us the quality of Leadership exercised within a
military unit very frequently determines the failure of that unit in its assigned mission.
Leadership involves the personal relation of one person to another, the ability of a
Commander to use his personality to directly influence his subordinates to
accomplish a mission.
I. Definition of Terms:
a. Military Leadership - Is the process of influencing men in such a manner as to
accomplish the mission.
b. Leadership Traits - Personal qualities that are direct value to the Commander in
gaining the willing obedience, conference, respect and loyal
cooperation of his men in accomplishing a mission.
c. Leadership Principles - Fundamental guidelines for the selection of appropriate
action and orders in the proper exercise of the Command.
d. Command - Authority which an individual in the Military service lawfully
exercises over subordinates by virtue of Ranks and assignments or
position.
e. Leadership - Refers to that process whereby an individual directs guide,
influences or control the thoughts, feeling or behavior of other human
being.
II. Basic Responsibilities of a Commander
a. Accomplishment of the Mission
b. Welfare of the men
[Link] of a Leader
a. As a model soldier and commander.
b. As an instructor.
c. As a personal technician.
d. As a custodian of men’s welfare.
IV. Values of Military Professional Ethics
a. Loyalty to the ideals of the nation.
b. Loyalty to the unit.
c. Personal responsibility.
d. Selfless service
IV. Basic Styles of Leadership
a. AUTHORITATIVE - A dictatorial type of leadership where a single person makes the
entire decisions. Expectations are always clear. This sort of leadership is the type that
causes the most discontent in any establishment.
b. PARTICIPATIVE – A democratic leadership style that is participatory and it is the
most effective form of leadership.
c. DELEGATIVE – A leader can't do every single thing alone. A leader must learn to
organize his priorities and delegate tasks and decisions to others while taking the final
responsibility.
V. Leadership traits
a. Bearing - A man’s bearing is his general appearance, carriage,
deportment and conduct. The bearing of the leader establishes the standard which
affect subordinates, peers and superiors. His carriage should be upright , his
general appearance and condition of his clothing and equipment exemplary. His
appearance and manner should reflect alertness, energy, competence and
confidence.
b. Courage - Is a mental quality that recognize fear of danger or criticism, but
enables a man to proceed in the face of it with calmness
and firmness. It is a quality of mind that gives a man control over fear, enabling him
to accept responsibility and act properly in a threatening situation.
c. Decisiveness - A positive approach, little waste of time, objectively, timely
analysis and sound evaluation of opinions made by others all contribute to the
development of decisiveness in the leader.
d. Dependability - The certainly proper performance of duty, is a quality the leader
must develop. A dependable leader can be relied upon to carry out any activity with
willing effort.
e. Endurance - The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability of withstand
pain fatigue, stress and hardship is a kin to courage.
f. Enthusiasm - Is the display of sincere interest and zeal in the
performance of duties. This requires the leader to be optimistic and cheerful.
g. Initiative - Initiative or taking action in the absence of orders, is often required of
leaders. Men develop respect and trust for a leader who meets new and unexpected
situations with prompt action.
h. Integrity - The uprightness and soundness of moral principles, the quality of
truthfulness and honesty describe integrity. A leader who proves himself
unreliable or of questionable integrity has no place in the military.
i. Judgment - Is the ability to logically weigh facts and possible solution on which to be
sound decision. Anticipation of situation avoidance of hasty decisions, and the
application of common sense will insure success in most situations which the leader is
confronted.
j. Justice - Giving every his due, being equitable, impartial and consistent in
bestowing awards and punishment. Justice involves the comparing of a rewards
and the meeting out of the punishment, in accordance with the merit of the
case. Firmness and fairness, without favoritism is an essential Quality of a leader.
k. Knowledge - Acquired the information including knowledge of the job and
knowledge of the men. Knowledge is power, nothing will attract confidence and
respect more quickly and more demonstrated. Knowledge is the ability to
create self confidence within the leader himself.
l. Loyalty - Is the quality of faithfulness to country, the Army, seniors, subordinates
and peers. The confidence and respect that can be gained from superior and
subordinate is immeasurable.
m. Tact - Is the ability to deal with others in a respectful manner. The leader who
display tact in dealing with superior and subordinates encourages courteous treatment
in return..
n. Unselfishness - The unselfish leader is one who avoid providing his own comfort
and personal advancement at the expense of others.
VII. Leadership principles
1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement
2. Be technically and tactically proficient
3. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your action
4. Make sound and timely decisions
5. Set the example
6. Know your men and look out for their welfare
7. Keep your men informed
8. Develop a sense of responsibility in your subordinates
9. Insure that the task is understood, supervised and accomplished
10. Train your men as a team
11. Employ your unit in accordance with its capabilities.
VIII. Techniques of a Good Leadership
A. Understanding your man
1. Study the problem of personal adjustment.
2. Be familiar with the psychological principles of human behavior thatmake each one
of us a unique person.
3. Analyze your men objectively and without personal bias.
B. Aim for Military Efficiency
1. Proficiency concentrate in increasing our physical, mental and technical
capabilities.
2. Discipline prompt and willing obedience to all orders both for yourself and
your men.
3. Morale watch over your subordinates state of mind and feelings.
END OF MY PRESENTATION
References:
AFP Manual – Military Leadership
Book of Warfighting
Field Manual 6-22, Army Leadership