Major C.A. Bach of the United States Army addressed student officers during his farewell address at Fort Sheridan in 1919. His most impactful token of advice is in reference to effective leadership following the commissioning of a United States Army Officer. He states that these commissions, “will not make you leaders,” but rather, “merely make you officers.”
From personal experience, effective leadership is an essential element when attempting to accomplish an objective. Whether it comes from a classroom, an extracurricular activity, or a paternal figure, leadership has the potential to either complete or fail an objective and influence an individual to become an influential member of society. Just because an individual is placed in a leadership position does not mean that the individual can effectively lead a group of subordinates to success. It is up to the individual placed in the assigned role to do whatever necessary to ensure success.
After recently completing my freshman year in the Marist Army ROTC program, I can assure that effective leadership must be present in order to lead a unit in an efficient manner. The seven Army values, which were learned upon entrance of the ROTC program, include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. These seven values, if honed and upheld by the soldier, ultimately create an effective leader in the United States Army. Ironically, the seven Army Values create the acronym LDRSHIP. Each soldier, regardless of rank, is expected to uphold the seven Army values at all times.
Strong leadership is established through experience. Evidence shows that younger, inexperienced cadets are placed in leadership roles in order to hone effective leadership skills practiced by commissioned officers on a daily basis. Through cohesive communication and extensive assistance among team members, a group is able to become more proficient in their area of expertise, giving the group, as a whole, the greatest potential to become effective leaders.
It is not to say that it is a waste of time to be placed in a role with little to no knowledge behind that role. On the contrary, it allows the individual to learn what needs to be grasped in order to effectively assume a role. In addition, it is up to the individual how much time he or she wants to invest in order to broaden their horizon of knowledge in respect to the leadership role.
That being said, a leader does not have to be in a leadership role in order to be an effective leader. The charisma and actions of one can trickle down and influence the actions of another. Therefore, good leadership must be present throughout a group of individuals in order to maximize the potential for success.
Effective leadership is needed in all areas of profession. In today’s day and age, where society progresses at an inconceivable rate, we need bold and bright individuals who are willing to take charge and guide people towards the path of success. One individual has the capabilities to change society. However, the bright mind of one can influence the mind of others. If people act in unison and focus their efforts towards a common goal, the potential to live in a world in which conflicts become resolutions is boundless.
