1-8.
FOCUS OF LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
The ideas of be, know, and do take in most aspects of social life. These aspects
are interrelated because each tends to direct and depend upon the other two. These
attributes determine how well a leader can do his job. The knowledge you gain from
this course is a vital part of your job. You could not function as a well-trained medical
NCO without it. But this knowledge is only a part of good leadership. In order to apply
most of this knowledge, you will need the willing cooperation of those soldiers under
your command and any others who are in a position to help you. The attributes of
leadership are present in all leaders--good and bad. It is the character or focus of these
attributes that will determine whether the leader can expect his soldiers to perform well
under all conditions and to follow his directions without confusion. The next three
paragraphs will explain these ideas.
1-9.
BE
a. This aspect refers to the values which are internal with each person and
generally are not discussed by that person. This concerns the way a person regards
such intangibles as:
(1)
Professional character traits.
(2)
The Professional Army Ethic.
(3)
The family.
(4)
The human race.
b. There are two opposing poles of belief about these ideas. Each has a very
different focus.
(1) The poor leader. A person lacking good leadership qualities may regard
professionalism useful only so long as it serves his own purpose. The Professional
Army Ethic that requires loyalty to our nation and his unit may be regarded as
something to say but only for others to do. This person's attitude toward the family may
be demonstrated by requiring blind obedience of his spouse and children with little
regard for their feelings, needs, and wants. His attitudes toward the human race could
be so callous that he could order extermination of civilians without a second thought.
(2) The good leader. The person who has good leadership qualities will
regard professionalism as a worthwhile attribute both for himself and for others. He will
show his attitude toward loyalty by everything he says and does. It will be more than a
role he plays from 9 to 5 each workday. The good leader shows his attitude toward
family by treating his own family members as individuals with needs and wants which
may be different from his own, but just as important. He remembers that his men have
families of their own that need consideration. His attitude toward the human race would
force him to make every effort to protect innocent civilians from involvement in battle
and provide medical care for the injured to the best of his ability.
MD0560
1-5