A successful leader...

1. will make decisions that will improve the entire group or organization rather than just themselves.

2. realizes that they also have a superior. No one is ever elected to an office or level where they have no one to be accountable to.

3. is an example of fair play, integrity, and dependability.

4. will genuinely listen to the need, feedback, and suggestions from all the members of the organization and not just a select few.

5. understand that a leadership position is not a position of glory and popularity, but a position of responsibility.

6. is willing to roll up their sleeves and help other members of the organization when things get tough.

7. knows that they cannot be successful without the work, support, and loyalty of all members of the organization.

8. will sacrifice personal glory and recognition so that it may be shared equally with all of the followers.

9. works for the success of the entire organization and not for personal glory.

10. knows that whatever power they may possess was given to them by the members of the organization. If improperly used, this power can be swept away and given to someone else.

Leadership Traits

Integrity - Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principle, absolute truthfulness and honesty.

Knowledge - Acquired information, including professional knowledge and an understanding of yours cadets.

Courage - A mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism but enables a cadet to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.

Decisiveness - Ability to reach decisions promptly and to announce them in a clean, forceful manner.

Dependability - The certainty of the proper performance of duty.

Initiative - Seeing what has to be done and commencing a course of action, even in the absence of orders.

Tact - The ability to deal with others without creating offense.

Justice - The quality of being impartial and consistent in exercising command.

Enthusiasm - The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.

Bearing - Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance, and personal conduct at all times.

Endurance - The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to stand pain, fatigue, distress, and hardship.

Unselfishness - Avoidance of providing for ones comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.

Loyalty - Faithfulness to country, to family, to unit, to your seniors and subordinates.

Judgement - The quality of weighing facts and possible solutions on which to base sound decisions.

A Little Story About Responsibility