<p>I haven't been a member of this site for long, but I am surprised at how little time has been devoted to a topic I consider the most important piece of the West Point cadet: being a good leader. I know those current cadets out there are thinking, "Kid, you don't know s**t about leadership," and I would have to agree with them; that's why I'm going to West Point. But I think forming at least a rough idea of what makes a capable leader is just almost as important as conditioning or academics. So the question is this: what do you think seperates the good leaders from the bad?
Personally, I think it all boils down to three things: </p>
<p>Selflessness-being able to think outside of your own needs, empathize with/ understand your subordinates, and "walk in another's shoes" is essential to both inspiring those under your command and reading an enemy.</p>
<p>Respect-having basic human respect is important in any situation, especially leadership roles. If you want the respect of those that will follow you, your going to have to give it right back to them. In regards to the enemy, look to Vietnam, even the American Revolution. Both foriegn powers had (initially) little respect for their enemies as soldiers and they paid the price when they underestimated their capabilities.</p>
<p>Confidence-I think we can all agree that a leader cannot be second-guessing himself all the time. Anyone commanding troops is going to be faced with some tough decisions, and they will have to be confident enough to make a decision and suffer the consequences.</p>
<p>As I said before, I could be dead wrong about these conclusions, but I would rather get my story straight now than come to a rude awakening during Beast. I encourage anyone to chime in on this subject, since everyone's 'style' differs a little. I'd especially like to hear some current cadets' opinions.</p>
<p>"I know those current cadets out there are thinking, "Kid, you don't know s**t about leadership," and I would have to agree with them; that's why I'm going to West Point."</p>
<p>Based on your points up there, it's obvious that you have some idea of what leadership is. I think the main reason that the Academies all look for candidates with prior leadership experience is to bring new perspectives and styles to the table. I don't think they want midshipman who "have no idea what leadership is." Of course, they're going to give you extensive training to let you see what works for you and your subordinates, but prior experience is an absolute must.</p>
<p>Hawks--
I don't believe that there is any 'number one thing' for a leader to practice. A good leader must be flexible and be able to balance all the traits that make a leader. IE...the Navy's Core Values are all-ecompassing: Honor, Courage, and Committment. Think of any leadership trait, and in some way, it will fit into one of those.</p>
<p>Leadership has many varied and often conflicting characteristics. Just look at a cross section of recognized military leaders.</p>
<p>Your question reminded me of a couple of comments I heard from cadets during Beast. They are somewhat unrelated to the topic but illustrate how some of the cadets view each other's leadership style and potential.</p>
<p>According to our plebe son, the consensus of the plebes during Beast was that the upperclass cadets running Beast didn't know squat about leadership and that the plebes, with just a few weeks experience, could already do a much better job leading Beast.</p>
<p>According to a Firstie Cadet we know, the plebes were the most pathetic and pampered bunch of cadets he'd seen. He wonder how they could ever become even mediocre leaders.</p>
<p>Neither is right, but the comments confirm that the cadets realize that they are there to gain leadership skills. They also give an insight into some of the dynamics of the relationships of the cadets as they undertake the "West Point Experience" and develop their individual leadership skills and style.</p>