This manual has two main purposes. It is a guide for leaders faced with actual troop leading problems and a text for leadership instruction.
The Study of Leadership
There is no cookbook recipe for making a leader, and no two leaders ever get results in exactly the same way. But the ability to lead can be learned by breaking the subject down into convenient form for study and practice, such as these three headings:
1)Leadership traits—those personal qualities that help a commander in the exercise of leadership.
2)Leadership principles—the guiding rules of leadership.
3)Leadership techniques—the actions taken by a leader to meet a leadership situation or to solve a leadership problem. He uses the leadership principles as a guide in selecting the techniques to be used.
None of those three factors stands alone. They work together to help a commander develop his leadership ability. The leadership traits can be developed by self-analysis and practice; the principles can be learned through study; and the ability to select techniques can be improved by observation and experience.
One of the greatest mistakes a young leader often makes is in the desire to gain popularity with members of his command. Successful command is not a popularity contest. Good leadership is based on many factors other than popularity with the men. Popularity will be gained as the leader develops the trust, confidence, and respect of his subordinates.
Includes 10 Combat Examples
The Study of Leadership
There is no cookbook recipe for making a leader, and no two leaders ever get results in exactly the same way. But the ability to lead can be learned by breaking the subject down into convenient form for study and practice, such as these three headings:
1)Leadership traits—those personal qualities that help a commander in the exercise of leadership.
2)Leadership principles—the guiding rules of leadership.
3)Leadership techniques—the actions taken by a leader to meet a leadership situation or to solve a leadership problem. He uses the leadership principles as a guide in selecting the techniques to be used.
None of those three factors stands alone. They work together to help a commander develop his leadership ability. The leadership traits can be developed by self-analysis and practice; the principles can be learned through study; and the ability to select techniques can be improved by observation and experience.
One of the greatest mistakes a young leader often makes is in the desire to gain popularity with members of his command. Successful command is not a popularity contest. Good leadership is based on many factors other than popularity with the men. Popularity will be gained as the leader develops the trust, confidence, and respect of his subordinates.
Includes 10 Combat Examples
