What is leadership? Over the course of the summer session we have learned about numerous approaches and theories of leadership – but which is best? Throughout my life and my military career I’ve been repeatedly indoctrinated to believe traits were what made a leader and those traits paired with skills and style were the ingredients needed for a leader to be successful. Through trial and error, I have developed my own leadership style which floats between authoritarian and democratic based on situations and environmental factors which we learned about in Lesson 5: Style and Approaches.
I’ve always taken pride in being self-aware of my personality, how I project myself and how I may be perceived by my friends, family, strangers, and followers. My self assessment is that I am firm but fair, yet demanding in the fact I challenge those around me to be the best of themselves and encourage people to be in control of their lives. My intent is to enable people – be it family, friends, peers or junior Marines – to live full and satisfied lives. Sometimes, unfortunately, my approach and tactics in different environments have adverse affects in which my typical candor is interpreted as the darker side of personality as discussed in Lesson 2: Trait Approach. With that said, the lessons about situational approach and contingency theory were fascinating because they helped me understand why I choose the things I like to do. I like things to be organized, structured, with clear visions and goals that are attainable with tangible measures of success. This explains my career choice as a Marine and also my love and appreciation for sports.
What is the best theory? I believe there are two that I would like to follow more closely: transformational and servant leadership. The two people I think embody these styles are men I’ve written about during the course of this semester: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Although these men are completely different, they are both prime examples of each theory and men we should all venture to emulate. I believe the leader characteristics in both transformational and servant leadership theories would make me a better husband, father, friend, citizen, and mentor to fellow Marines. My leadership already falls within the boundaries of these leadership theories. However, (at times) my lofty goals, high demand and lack of regard for feelings is something I can work on. By improving my communication and situational awareness in terms of understanding those around me and acting and communicating accordingly (instead of my one-size-fits-all approach) I can better my leadership and influence capabilities.
The following is an interesting video I came across today while trolling YouTube for leadership videos. The clip What is Leadership explains leadership philosophy, which relates to transformational and servant leadership, by creating an environment conducive for success while giving control to others.
I believe you are a conscientious person but from what I have been told by those in the military and family members in the military, your approach is the exception rather than the rule. This also was the impression I got from another blog I read where the author raved about a commanding officer because his leadership style was as a leader/ member approach. The authoritarian leadership approach, what I am told is the dominate approach in the military. Based on the fact, separation based on rank is encouraged and in some cases mandated. Therefore, the military hierarchy is an “us” and “them” scenario. Working together for consensus is not part of the military leadership model. As you admitted,
“(At times) my lofty goals, high demand and lack of regard for feelings is something I can work on.”
One of my closest friends left the air force at the first opportunity because she it was a humiliating experience. She remarked higher members routinely treated the enlisted personnel badly Gave them nonsense tasks designed to denigrate. Without reason, or explanation one officer refused to sign her paperwork for her to go to school at the time. Eventually, the paper work was signed but she had to use to other channels.
The one bright spot while she had while in the air force was a higher-ranking officer that helped her with the school situation. She described him as a true leader member and a servant member. She remarked he, putting followers first, (he signed her schoolwork even though she was not under his command) helping followers succeed, behaving ethically, and creating value for the community.
She left the air force and finished school on her own. She is now an Aeronautical Engineer and works with a major airplane manufacturer.
Your introspection is laudable. I do not think a person can ask for any more than what you described; to be treated fairly and someone encouraging a subordinate to do better and to be better is commendable.
Good luck to you.