MILITARY LEADERSHIP

Prepared by:Sgt Mary Grace C Conmigo (Res) PA

Military Leadership

-it is an art of influencing men in such a way that will win their obedience and cooperation achieving the common goal/mission.

Definition of Terms1. COMMAND – is the authority of a person in the military

service, lawfully exercised over subordinates by virtue of his rank and position.

2. MANAGEMENT – is the process of planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and controlling sources such as men, money, materials and machinery to accomplish the organizational mission.

3. LEADERSHIP TRAITS – personal qualities essential for a commander in gaining obedience, trust, respect and cooperation of his men in accomplishing a mission.

4. LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES – fundamental guidelines for the selection of appropriate action and order in the exercise of the command.

LEADERSHIP TRAITS1. Bearing – is the general appearance, carriage,

deportment and conduct of a leader.2. Courage – is the mental quality that recognizes fear

or danger or criticisms but enables him to face it with calmness and firmness.

3. Decisiveness – is the promptness of making a decision in a state and forceful manner.

4. Dependability – reliability and certainty of a performance in the execution of duty.

5. Endurance – is the physical and mental stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardships.

6. Enthusiasm – is the display of sincere interest and zeal in the performance of duty.7. Initiative – taking action in the absence of orders.8. Integrity – is the uprightness and soundness of moral principles.9. Judgment – is the ability to logically weigh facts and possible solutions to arrive at a sound decision.10. Justice – is the reward and punishment according to the merits of the case in question.

11. Knowledge – keeping self abreast of current development in his military specialty and command.12. Loyalty – is the quality of faithfulness to country, seniors, subordinates and peers.13. Tact – is the ability to deal with others in respectful manner.14. Unselfishness – is one who avoids his own comfort and personal advancement for the welfare of his men.

Leadership Principlesa. Know yourself and seek self

improvement.b. Be technically and tactically proficient.c. Seek responsibility and take sense of

responsibility for your actions.d. Make as sound and timely decision.e. Set the example.

f. Know your men and look for their welfare.g. Keep your men informed.h. Develop sense of responsibility among your subordinates.i. Ensure that the task is understood, supervised and accomplished.j. Train your men as a team.k. Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.

THREE BASIC STYLES OF LEADERSHIP

1. Directing

2. Participating

3. Delegating

INDICATORS OF LEADERSHIP

a. Moraleb. Espritide Corpsc. Disciplined. Proficiency

TECHNIQUES OF GOOD LEADERSHIP

A. Understanding your men.1. Study the need of personal adjustment.2. Be familiar with the principles of human

behavior that make each one of us a unique person from the other.

3. Analyze your men objectively without personal bias.

B. Aim for Military Efficiency1. Proficiency – concentrate in increasing our

physical, mental and technical capabilities.2. Discipline – prompt and willing obedience to

all orders both for your men and self.3. Morale – watch your men’s state of mind and

feelings.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LEADER

1. Accomplishment of the mission2. Welfare of your men

Roles of a Leader

“Roles of a leader” refers to a jobs which every leader must do, those duties which all leaders must perform 100% of his or their time.

Six Basic Roles of a Leader:

1. Model Soldier – the model soldier maintains pride in his appearance and conduct by:

a. Personal appearanceb. Neat and clean uniformc. Exemplary conduct both on and off dutyd. Apply the “Golden Role”

2. As Instructor – in time of peace one of the principal duties of a soldier is to instruct.

Methods that the leader use to develop and improve his instructional ability are:a. Studyb. Observationc. Use of training aidsd. Rehearsals

3. Personnel Manager – military personnel management is the processing of planning. organizing, directing and supervising effectively all personnel in such manner so as to obtain the maximum efficient utilization of military manpower. The mission of the personnel management is the utilization of manpower.

4. Custodian of His Men’s Welfare – the leader must also be concerned with his men’s needs that are essential to their comfort and well-being, such as adequate mess and supplies, good quarters, recreation facilities, sanitation and equitable passes.

5. As a Commander and Supervisor – in carrying out this role, the leader has a number of primary functions to perform. These functions are reviewed here because of their importance to the leader in the accomplishment of the mission.

The primary functions of a leader are:a. Receive the orderb. Make an estimatec. Formulate a pland. Issue order

6. As a Counselor – the soldiers most often meet personal or official problems which if left unsolved cause the men’s efficiency to deteriorate. An important duty of a leader is to improve the moral or spiritual trait of his men. To accomplish this, he must be a wise adviser to them. He gives advice and guidance to those who cannot solve their problem.

Responsibilities of a Leader

“Responsibilities” refers to the obligation to perform duties and functions and bear the consequences of activities under one’s command. The manner in which a leader fulfills his responsibilities is the measure of his success. So as to be able to shoulder responsibility, a leader must know his job and must train and supervise his subordinates in their work. Likewise, he demands from them responsibility for the proper performance of their duties and functions.

The Responsibilities of a Leader are two-fold, they are:

a. Accomplishment of his mission – the primary duty of the leader is the accomplishment of his assigned mission. Everything else, even the welfare of his men, are but subordinate.

b. Duties to his men – the next responsibility of a leader lies in his duty to his men. It is rarely possible to accomplish any mission without attention to the morale and spirit of the men.

COMMAND

COMMAND

- Is the authority of an individual to impose his will lawfully upon subordinates by virtue of his rank and assignment.

- Command carries with it responsibility. This means that the leader is held answerable for all activities under his command.

Relationship Between Command and Leadership

There are two kinds of military leadership:a. Authoritarian – recognized by the dogmatic

use of authority or power.b. Persuasive leadership – takes into

consideration the human elements with all its complexity and with all its differentiation of the physical, mental, and moral capabilities and limitations of the individual.