[June 12, 2017] One of the most important traits of any leader is their ability to set the example for how others should act and what to believe in. People look to leaders for inspiration and as a model for the right kind of behavior. Setting the example has always been the hallmark of leadership traits since the beginning of humankind.
Leaders are role models; they lead by example. We’ve all heard that before and it is of course true; in point of fact there is no other leader trait so often seen and well studied. There are military men who were part of my generation who set the example for us from a young age. Patton, MacArthur, Nimitz, LeMay, Eisenhower, “Chesty” Puller, and many of the greatest Flag Officers in American military history were there for our young minds to see and admire.
“Example is not the main thing of influencing others; it is the only thing.” – Albert Schweitzer, French-German theologian and philosopher
There are few senior leaders today that fully understand that the use of military force should never be used except in the most dire circumstances. Notwithstanding their military backgrounds many of these senior Flag Officers also became successful politicians and great leaders in industry after their military service. Those very traits that they taught us were also traits that transcend all human endeavors and are most valuable anywhere and anytime.
Of late in America we have witnessed the failure of several senior leaders to set the example. In the most recent notable case, ex-FBI Director James Comey testified before the U.S. Congress about his firing by President Trump. Regardless of those politics of that event, it became clear that Comey “leaked” information to a friend who gave inside information to the media.
This act taken alone will give more credence to those who wish to leak U.S. secrets anytime they disagree with the current political leadership in America. The security leaks currently underway should be stopped regardless of who is president or who holds any position. But Comey set the example for others to follow and that example is that it is acceptable to set your personal interests above that of the United States and its leadership.1
There are many other examples that would make this point and it shows that leaders are fallible and subject to letting their emotions get in the way of professional decision-making. When truly great leaders ascend to positions of great responsibility, those that are best remembered and those who do the most good never fall into such a trap.
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