Posted by: adjutant on 05/17/2006 11:35 PM
Updated by: adjutant on 05/29/2007 11:16 PM
Expires: 01/01/2011 12:00 AM
Leadership is Fragile
Leadership is not easy, if it was then everyone would be a leader. But, unless you are a hermit you already know that. All you have to do is look around and observe the lack of "Honor, Courage and Commitment" that is exhibited in the lives of many So-called leaders in our society today. Take a quick look at page two to get one perspective of the importance of good leadership.
Tending the Leadership Tree
Leadership can be likened in some ways to a tree. It is planted in people’s lives like a seedling that must be nurtured and cared for if it is to grow to maturity like a strong and healthy tree. Not all seedlings will survive and not all individuals who have the opportunity to will turn into leaders.
As a tree grows, it begins to bear fruit and some of the fruits of the tree of leadership are power, prominence and popularity. These fruits are a conundrum in a way, because if these same fruits are used to fertilize the leadership tree, they will surely kill it. In other words while good leadership frequently results in power, prominence and popularity, these attributes cannot in and of themselves be depended upon to produce a good leader. In reality these traits have been the downfall of many a man.
Many people believe that anyone can be a leader, but I beg to differ with them. To become a leader requires great sacrifices and a strong concern for the welfare of others, good role models and faithful mentors. Leaders will often have to place their own desires “on hold” for the good of their subordinates and the accomplishment of the mission.
The Marine Corps values of “Honor, Courage and Commitment” are more than an advertising slogan to a true Marine Corps leader; they are and must be a way of life. I have great confidence that these values will continue to produce many excellent leaders far into the future, and I pray that you will be one of them. As you continue this journey, realize that the mantle of leadership is a heavy one on the shoulders of those who choose to wear it and some superiors, peers and subordinates you meet along the way will be willing only to pay lip service to these values. That may not be what you want or expect to encounter, but take it from an old “Gunner” it is the reality you need to be ready to face.
In closing I want to encourage you too never let disappointment dishearten you, for one man standing tall in the face of adversity can inspire countless others to display inordinate courage themselves. Remember without adversity courage cannot exist. No matter what you encounter along the way always be true to your God, your Country and your Corps.
God’s speed and Semper Fi
Ray Fairman
