Leadership: What it is, and What it Ain’t

I like to think and read about Leadership, and to consider examples of that concept. I do not conflate being “in charge” or at the top of an organizational chart with Leadership, though the two things do sometimes coincide. Too often they do not. This is why true leaders are not as prevalent as they should be, and not as common as we all need.

For some time — since roughly 2018 — I have been compiling what I call Profiles in Leadership, and will in due course publish them. Here’s the first one in my profiles:

Profiles in Leadership №1 — Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger

208 seconds and two vital words

Cactus 1549 was struck by birds. Both engines are out, the plane essentially becomes a very large and heavy glider at 2800 feet. Sully knows that what comes next can be either good or bad, and wants no shade thrown at his crew. The two words: “My aircraft.” A true leader accepts the good and the bad, and protects everyone else in their care, no matter what

Sully knew that he must pit his education, training, skill, and experience against a broken plane, and the laws of aerodynamics and gravity. He also knew that only one person on that aircraft had the inescapable duty to engage in that battle and that he was that person. He was simply not willing to have the any part of the blame for what might be a catastrophe fall on anyone else — hence “my aircraft.”

As a result, he turned what might have been a crash landing, the results of which are almost never good, into a forced water landing — with not even one life lost thanks to him, his co-pilot and crew, and then prompt water rescue by various authorities.

Now, that’s a Leader.

When I was a young boy, I was fortunate enough to be close with a favorite uncle who was willing to impart wisdom to me on many subjects. Even as I got older this was the case; and in my high school years I decided that I wanted to serve in the military, and Uncle Joe (a Colonel in the U.S. Army) was an important resource and example to me. I can recall that as I was considering the military he and I spent a lot of time talking about service, and what it takes to be a leader.

Looking back now, I recall that at some point (probably about 15 or so) I began to feel uncomfortable calling him Uncle or Uncle Joe…and just ”Joe” I simply could not bring myself to say. But we stayed on a first name basis: I mean he called me by my first name, or sometimes “young man,”…I addressed him as Colonel, and Sir. At the time of life when a boy usually had as his hero some muscle-bound super-hero in tights, or a pop star, the Colonel was in fact my hero.

My Colonel led by example, though he often tried to inculcate in me by words the important things one must learn to be a real man, a gentleman, and a leader. I watched him often, and observed how he treated people in general, irrespective of “station” or gender or race. In particular I always remember how he treated his wife, my favorite Aunt, with respect and a gentleness that was very nice to see. He always opened doors for her, pulled out her chair when seating for a meal, and truly appreciated how hard she had to work to be a Colonel’s wife and mother of three kids. My mother was the collateral beneficiary of this, and much appreciated my efforts to emulate the Colonel in many ways.

Even all these years later, I still recall some nuggets of wisdom he imparted to me on many subjects, including personal conduct and leading others. Here are some of them.

Women — never forget that you would not even exist but for a woman. They are vital and are entitled to the utmost respect and consideration. Never fall into the error of thinking them weak or lesser-than. They are incredibly tough and do not need your respect, but they do deserve it.

Stewardship — every man and woman here has an obligation to the rest of us, and to our country and our world. Leave it all better than you found it, in whatever ways you can.

Violence — never start a fight. But if you must fight, whether for yourself or your country, do it with honor and make sure you’re the last one standing.

Leadership — it is false that solid leadership skills are only important for senior enlisted or officers. Even something as simple and “lowly” as a work-party to clean a barracks benefits from an effective leader who pays attention to the task and looks out for all members of the detail. As you advance in rank your leadership skills become more and more important — learn them well, and practice them at every opportunity.

My Colonel also mentioned some specific don’ts. I recall a few of these.

Do not assume that anyone, including you, just because of high rank, is necessarily a leader. You obey all lawful orders, but keep your eyes open for evidence of true leadership. If you are in charge, make sure your subordinates see leadership by example.

Don’t hide behind your rank. You always take responsibility commensurate with your rank or position.

A real leader never diminishes, insults or attacks subordinates, or forgets their well-being; but looks after them in all circumstances.

Thank you, Colonel, sir, for taking the time for me over the years. I miss your wisdom, your kindness and humor. If possible, sir, I will finally come to Arlington someday to pay my respects.

So, these are my thoughts on what leadership is and is not. Sadly, we see far too little leadership these days in our federal government. Instead, it is pass-the-buck, deny responsibility, attack any and all, even those who are under your own “leadership.” It is getting rid of experienced leaders in favor of yes-men (and women), enablers and sycophants.

It is…very sad and disheartening; and hopefully going to improve soon.