United States Army: Are Leaders Born Or Made?
Are Leaders Born or Made?
SSI, NCOA
SFC Luis A. Gutierrez
79S ALC
004-13
SFC Eric L. Crist
In our history as the United States Army, we have overcome tremendous and various obstacles that have led to defining moments as well as benchmarking what true leadership is and what unity can achieve. In defining unity in the Army history we generally tend to think of cohesion as a mutual alliances among several of Americans serving for a common purpose and as so, all due credit is due. Yet when defining leadership in history we tend to take a more individualized point of reference, focusing on key leaders and achievers of great feats. This generalized train of thought feeds into a widely misguided myth, with its underlining respectable …show more content…
Leaders that are defined by these characteristics alone represent a disturbed view of what a leader should be, know and do. Take for instance Fidel Castro the standing president of Cuba, viewed as a great leader and praised as a champion of anti-imperialism, humanitarianism, socialism and environmentalism by his followers. His ability to provide economic growth to his stagnant country built him a popularity base among his followers as a great leader. While positive correlations to his efforts do reflect elements of a good leadership a full spectrum view of his character clearly shows how far he falls short from being a great leader. Great leaders are not just those that provide actions with results but those that can empathize and humble themselves for a greater good. Fidel’s long run dictatorship-like system and abuse of multiple human rights have labeled him as a leader by title only. The structured growth of an empathetic leader is rooted from one’s personal values. The Army Values directly influence in building empathetic leaders in its ranks. When defining competent and empathetic leaders the Army defines the actions of taking care of Soldiers by giving them the training, equipment, and all the support they need to keep them alive in combat and accomplish the mission. During wartime and difficult operations, empathetic Army leaders share the hardships with their Soldiers to gauge if their plans and decisions are realistic. Competent and empathetic leaders also recognize the need to provide their Soldiers with reasonable comforts and rest periods to maintain good morale and mission effectiveness (Odierno, 2012). Developing empathy requires that leaders demonstrate some level of vulnerability, heart and genuine care for his or her subordinates. Self-awareness, experience and patience serve vital in developing this trait as a habit. By
SSI, NCOA
SFC Luis A. Gutierrez
79S ALC
004-13
SFC Eric L. Crist
In our history as the United States Army, we have overcome tremendous and various obstacles that have led to defining moments as well as benchmarking what true leadership is and what unity can achieve. In defining unity in the Army history we generally tend to think of cohesion as a mutual alliances among several of Americans serving for a common purpose and as so, all due credit is due. Yet when defining leadership in history we tend to take a more individualized point of reference, focusing on key leaders and achievers of great feats. This generalized train of thought feeds into a widely misguided myth, with its underlining respectable …show more content…
Leaders that are defined by these characteristics alone represent a disturbed view of what a leader should be, know and do. Take for instance Fidel Castro the standing president of Cuba, viewed as a great leader and praised as a champion of anti-imperialism, humanitarianism, socialism and environmentalism by his followers. His ability to provide economic growth to his stagnant country built him a popularity base among his followers as a great leader. While positive correlations to his efforts do reflect elements of a good leadership a full spectrum view of his character clearly shows how far he falls short from being a great leader. Great leaders are not just those that provide actions with results but those that can empathize and humble themselves for a greater good. Fidel’s long run dictatorship-like system and abuse of multiple human rights have labeled him as a leader by title only. The structured growth of an empathetic leader is rooted from one’s personal values. The Army Values directly influence in building empathetic leaders in its ranks. When defining competent and empathetic leaders the Army defines the actions of taking care of Soldiers by giving them the training, equipment, and all the support they need to keep them alive in combat and accomplish the mission. During wartime and difficult operations, empathetic Army leaders share the hardships with their Soldiers to gauge if their plans and decisions are realistic. Competent and empathetic leaders also recognize the need to provide their Soldiers with reasonable comforts and rest periods to maintain good morale and mission effectiveness (Odierno, 2012). Developing empathy requires that leaders demonstrate some level of vulnerability, heart and genuine care for his or her subordinates. Self-awareness, experience and patience serve vital in developing this trait as a habit. By