The Best Leaders are above Reproach

By | July 22, 2023

[July 22, 2023]   In early 2011, I was with a small group of U.S. Army one-star generals at a training course at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.  The purpose was to train newly promoted Generals, mostly teaching us how to stay out of trouble.  Of course, that is not what the course was called, but its purpose was clear; don’t do anything stupid, or you will prematurely end your military career and thus always crucial to be above reproach.

They didn’t teach us how to hold a fork and knife and eat without the appearance of a hillbilly.  They didn’t teach us what to say or how to say it.  These are outdated stereotypes.  We were taught and openly discussed how to be beyond reproach in action and deed.  While that may seem simple, it is actually very hard.  We were subjected to case after case of U.S. military Flag Officers being relieved of command for “loss of confidence in their ability to lead.”

Why were so many senior officers relieved of (i.e., removed from) their commands and booted from the military?  Remember that these are men and women who have many years of experience, have gone through the ranks and have had to prove themselves repeatedly in a demanding environment, and are dedicated, intelligent, articulate, aggressive, and have the backing of many others who have worked with or for them in the past.

“Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6–7)

How do you be above reproach?  This verse from the Bible gives us a good outline.  To remain above reproach, you must live an open life of complete transparency, have an even and approachable temperament, always tell the complete truth, carry out your responsibilities with care, and always place others above yourself.  This is humility.  Be humble.  Being humble is the beginning of being a leader.

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Please read my books:

  1. “55 Rules for a Good Life,” on Amazon (link here).
  2. “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” on Amazon (link here).
Author: Douglas R. Satterfield

Hello. I provide one article every day. My writings are influenced by great thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Jung, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Jean Piaget, Erich Neumann, and Jordan Peterson, whose insight and brilliance have gotten millions worldwide to think about improving ourselves. Thank you for reading my blog.

17 thoughts on “The Best Leaders are above Reproach

  1. Robo Cop II

    It’s cultural for some folks to be in trouble all the time because that shows “street creed.” And now we know from today’s article (7-23-2023) the Theory of Stupidity is strong in some groups and races. Not saying who but — you know, the 13%. Just stating the facts, ma’am.

    Reply
    1. Bryan Z. Lee

      Hmmmmm, now we wouldn’t want to interfere with the world’s harmony by stating facts, now would we?

      Reply
  2. Eddie Gilliam

    Gen Douglas my friend. Excellent job on the article on leadership. Excellent scripture reference leadership. Proverbs speak of Wisdom is the principle thing and all thy getting, get it with an understanding. A stronger leader realize being wise by making wise decisions, doing the right thing even when no one is looking at him or her are being above reproach. Bible principles for all daily lives are in the Bible to keep us above reproach.

    Reply
    1. Ron C.

      Hey, Eddie, you got that right, my friend. And, I will also add that Gen. Satterfield is the kind of person you would want to have on your side, esp if you need to accomplish something important. Great to see your comments again. Thank you!!!!!!

      Reply
      1. Peigin

        👍👍👍👍👍 Yep, Ron C., great to see you on today. All the best to you patriots in Canada.

        Reply
    2. Cow Blue

      Ha Ha, “Gen Douglas,” good one!! I’m sur e Gen. Satterfield loved it. He is never insulted.

      Reply
  3. Lady Hawk

    Gen. Satterfield, I hope your sales of your books are going well. I finished your latest book, “55 Rules for a Good Life” just a few weeks ago and I am reading it a second time. I highly recommend those new to this website to go on Amazon, search your name, and get the book. Afterwards, leave a comment.

    Reply
  4. Winston

    “Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6–7), Of course, once again, the Bible is showing us the way. Is there something similar in the Koran?

    Reply
  5. American Girl

    Very much the opposite of president Biden who is the most corrupt president in American history. The latest? Guilty of taking at least $10 million in bribes.

    Reply
    1. Doug Smith

      That is just from Ukraine. Not counting China in this figure is misleading. Yes, indeed, he is horribly and unforgivably corrupt.

      Reply
    2. Kerry

      …. Obama too. He was bribed with “book deals.” An air of legitimacy but corrupt nonetheless and Clinton with their foundation.

      Reply
      1. Fred Weber

        This is the way of the Democrat Party since its inception.

        Reply
        1. Laughing Monkey

          😉 100% right. But, be sure you use a moniker and an ISP blocker or else the FBI will be looking at you. Biden’s hippocket so-called justice system will seek you out AND put you in jail for just saying the truth. America is becoming a banana republic.

          Reply

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