Wednesday, June 28, 2006

What it takes to be a Leader

I find it timely to say this especially after the NCO camp.
I'm sure each of you know that the camp is to further develop and realize your potential in Leadership.
In last year's camp, I mentioned that being a Leader means

  1. able to decide which is best and NOT which is the easy way out,
  2. able to motivate yourself first before motivating others,
  3. able to stay alert so as to ensure everyone's welfare and safety.

This year, I will like to add some more but very crucial points to the list.

Being a Leader means

  1. being an Effective Leader. (Anyone can be a lousy leader)
  2. able to command people to do things by respect and NOT by threats
  3. able to tolerate others' weaknesses and NOT use their weaknesses against them,
  4. able to see and develop potentials in others and not be jealous of them,
  5. able to be proud and NOT haughty. (Basically means don't show off)
  6. able to empower (give power to) others and NOT yourself.

Most importantly, reading this list is easy but can you do them when you're a leader?

To date, many people have unfortunately failed to achieve point no. 6 which is also the most crucial.

But I have too seen a few cadets who emerged as effective Leaders. Hope that all of you will too.

A/Asp Chang Jee Yen

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

i dun understand wad is point no. 6.

Anonymous said...

Ok, simple. Let me give you a simple example.

1) The time now is 1300.
2) And Sec 2 squad is supposed to fall in at the parade square by 1400.
3) As a squad leader, do you
a) tell them exactly what to do?
b) stand one side and say nothing?
c) give them some choices and advice?

You should choose c). You give the squad to have the right to choose but at the same time they will have to bear the responsibilities of the choice.