Everyone can lead at their own level

  • Published
  • By Maj. Todd Rupright
  • 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  We all see leadership from different perspectives: a commander' s perspective, a shop foreman's perspective, the worker-bee's perspective. From this host of examples, both good and bad, we formulate our own leadership style. If there is one thing I have learned over the years, there is no golden nugget ... no one leadership style that fits everyone.
One of the most underrated, and in my opinion one of the most important, forms of leadership is leading from the rear. Anyone can lead; stand up for what is right when it may be unpopular or when something is amiss. 

A quick example: a certain man was in charge of training for the 1st Infantry Division during World War I. One of his commanding generals was in attendance observing the training grounds. Without getting into the details, the general made an observation (a wrong observation in this man's mind). As the general was about to walk away, this person stuck his arm out to stop the general - to make a correction or clarification? It didn't really matter. He spoke his mind about the General's observations and said what he felt was right. 

After this "incident," his peers thought the man's career was over, when in fact it had just begun. About three months later, a request came from the general's office for this person to become a member of his staff.
This man spent 15 years in the Army before being promoted to captain but his career went to the highest ranks of the Army, he went on to become a U. S. Secretary of State and became the first professional soldier to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This man was Gen. George Marshall. 

One lesson that seems most obvious is learning from others mistakes. Like General Marshall, we all have seen bad and good leadership at one time or another and the key is to always pay attention to both and learn from them - then implement what we've learned. However, we also need to distinguish between bad leadership and having to do something we don't personally like or agree with. 

Remember, each person has his or her own style of leadership. Not everyone is a born leader but that does not mean everyone can't be a good leader. Learn as you go. Correct as you deem fit. Lead when given the chance, and lead well! As General "Stonewall" Jackson once said, "You may be whatever you resolve to be." 

So, be a leader.