Concept Of Leadership

General Concepts of Leadership

a. In the ultimate sense, leadership is not inherent; it depends upon traits that can be developed and upon the application of techniques that can be learned. It is an art that can be acquired, cultivated, and practiced by anyone having the mental and physical ability and the moral integrity expected of a commissioned or noncommissioned officer. Developing this art is a continuing process which involves the recognition, acquisition, and practice of the basic traits of leadership and the

understanding and application of sound leadership principles and techniques.

b. These manual stresses the importance of self-improvement. The principles, character traits, and procedures set forth are offered to assist the leader in the problem of controlling others. By examining these procedures with reference to his own practice and by analyzing his own traits of character, the leader will possess a yardstick for measuring his own success or failure. Despite this guide, it constantly must be borne in mind that successful leaders of the past were not all of the same pattern; nor did they all use the same methods of attaining success. All of them, however, consciously, or unconsciously understood the basic concepts of leadership and successfully practiced many of the techniques presented in this manual.

c. It is essential that the student grasp this concept of leadership and understand its relationship with all that the leader does, says, and thinks. He must not overlook the vital ingredients of sincerity and competence, for without these any suggested technique will fail. Although the material in this manual is, for instructional purposes, divided under certain principles, techniques and traits, the student should not allow his thinking to fall into these convenient compartments.

d. Effective leadership is a totality-a totality which is a resultant of everything the leader does in every aspect of his job and in his daily living which contributes to cementing the bonds between him and his subordinates and between his subordinates and the other members of his group. Everything that the leader does in his role as trainer, teacher, administrator, commander, or counselor contributes to or detracts from the totality of this relationship. The simplest correction or the sternest admonition; a momentary contact or long hours of common experience; the briefest suggestion or the most complete and detailed order -all have within them the potential of enhancing or decreasing the leader's effective relationship and personal influence with his subordinates.

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CONCEPTS OF MILITARY LEADERSHIP

The Military Leader

The basic concept of military leadership envisages the leader who, aware of his responsibilities, capitalizes on his strong traits, guides himself by the principles of leadership, and applies correct actions and orders to influence and direct his men favorably and knit them into an effective unit. To successfully accomplish this goal, the commander must understand men and the reasons for their behavior under various influences. He must also learn to recognize and evaluate the indications of leadership.

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Definitions

a. Military Leadership. The art of influencing and directing men in such a way as to obtain their willing obedience, confidence, respect, and loyal cooperation in order to accomplish the mission.

b. Leadership Traits. Personal qualities that are of direct value to the commander in gaining the willing obedience, confidence, respect, and loyal cooperation of his men.

c. Leadership Principles. Fundamental truths that are applied by a leader to control or guide his actions and the actions of his subordinates.

d. Leadership Indications.

(1) Morale-the state of mind of the individual. This depends upon his attitude toward everything that affects him.

(2) Discipline-the individual or group attitude that insures prompt obedience to orders and initiation of appropriate action in the absence of orders.

(3) Esprit de corps-loyalty to, pride in, and enthusiasm for a unit shown by its members.

(4) Proficiency-the technical, tactical, and physical ability of the individual and the unit.

e. Effective Unit. One that will accomplish with the minimum expenditure of means and time, any mission assigned or implied for which it has been organized, equipped, and trained.

f. Leadership Actions and Orders. Those things a leader does to enable him to both influence and direct his command. The leader's action or order should-

(1) Accomplish or aid in the accomplishment of one or both of the commander's basic responsibilities.

(2) Be guided by the principles of leadership.

(3) Exhibit the strong traits of the leader.

g. Leader. A person who possesses qualities necessary to direct others; a title used for persons in charge of units smaller than a company. See note.

h. Commander. Title of an officer in charge of a company, battery, or larger unit.

Characteristics of Leadership

a. Universal Nature of Leadership. The military profession has no monopoly on leadership. In every walk of life, in every industry, in every government, in every phase of human endeavor there are leaders. Progress and success are dependent upon the quality and efficiency of leadership.

b. Elements of Leadership. Leadership involves understanding, analyzing, predicting, and controlling men's behavior. Also involved in successful leadership is the will to lead, together with the character which inspires confidence. Undoubtedly, there are certain inherent characteristics that may aid in the development’ of leadership. Yet, certain men possessing desirable leadership traits may never attain the stature of great leaders; likewise, men deficient in certain of these traits may have attained this stature. Any theory that leadership is solely inherited must be rejected. Leadership is intangible only to the extent that we make it so. Any reasonably intelligent man, no matter how inexperienced, can become acquainted with the component elements of leadership. These elements may be studied, practiced, learned, and applied, just as any other human accomplishment may be learned and mastered.

c. The Leader and the Small Group. A leader actually maintains close personal contact with only a small group, regardless of the number of men ultimately controlled by him. Inevitably he must depend upon that small group to make his will known and to execute his purpose. We refer to the small group as immediate subordinates and staff.

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Source: Army FM 22-100, pg. 3-9