1-10. KNOW
a. Factors. Knowing covers more than the vital medical aspect of your job. This
factor includes knowing:
(1)
Yourself.
(2)
Human nature.
(3)
Methods to develop your leadership.
(4)
Your job.
b. Individual Strengths and Weaknesses. Each of us has both strengths and
weaknesses. The wise leader will capitalize on both.
(1) Strengths. It is possible to strengthen those areas where a person has
weaknesses once those weaknesses are known. Sometimes it is also possible to
capitalize on the strengths of others that complement your own lack. For example, an
officer who is weak in paperwork may capitalize on the help of NCOs who are strong in
detail work.
(2) Human nature. Knowledge of human nature will tell the good leader that
cohesion of his unit will develop only when people have the opportunity to work together
frequently. Each of the people under your direction is an individual with his/her own
strengths and weaknesses. They need opportunities to talk about their problems and
their successes. The wise leader will use every opportunity to talk with his men and
learn about them first hand. Discipline is more easily developed by the leader who
knows the individuals in his command than by fear and rank superiority. A disciplined
unit that does its duty promptly and effectively in response to orders (or even in the
absence of orders) has the best chance of survival in battle. The unit that understands
and respects the leadership abilities of its superior will respond faster and with greater
effect.
(3) Medical Non-Commisioned Officer abilities. The job abilities of the
formally trained medical NCO are far greater than anything previously expected by most
unit commanders. In some ways today's medical NCO must demonstrate this
enhanced knowledge and skill to both his subordinates and his superiors. He must
demonstrate both his vastly improved medical knowledge and his ability to shoulder his
combat critical duties as an Army NCO.
1-11. DO
All those admirable, ingrained values and your comprehensive knowledge will
count for little unless they are demonstrated by what you do. The "do" attributes which
count most toward showing good leadership are the ways in which you provide
direction, implement directions, and motivate others.
MD0560
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