Mike Seese

Every Leader should have a running Leadership Philosophy.  We must refine and develop this continuously, as we gain more leadership experience.  This is my standing philosophy as it applies to Army leadership:

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Maturity.  One of the most sought-after attributes for all elite military units and top business organizations is maturity.  Maturity is critical of a leader; the presence or lack of maturity can mean the difference between success and failure, right and wrong, ethical and unethical behavior.  

 

Fitness (Physical, Mental, Emotional).  Leaders must be physically, mentally, and emotionally fit.

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• Physical fitness is crucial for leaders, especially Combat Arms leaders.  If leaders are not physically fit, they often cannot effectively lead maneuvers, are not inspiring to subordinates, and are more likely to reach mental exhaustion during stressful situations.

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• Mental fitness refers to intellectual capacity.  Leaders must aggressively pursue growth of mental fitness by reading and studying professionally relevant material.

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• Emotional fitness is critical.  In order to make sound decisions, maintain emotional control, and lead effectively, emotional balance matters.  Leaders make subordinates take personal time when needed.  Leaders make time for themselves as needed.  Whether it is religion, meditation, or other tools, Leaders have their own strategies for achieving balance and creating time and conditions for their subordinates, and themselves, to be emotionally fit.

 

Lethality.  My definition of lethality, as it applies here, is that leaders effectively exercise their functions in assigned roles, to be lethal for their units.  What makes a leader lethal, changes based upon assigned roles.  

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• Ex: An AS3 in the Operations Office is lethal because he or she can effectively execute Battle Captain duties and write Operations Order content to steer the Battalion based on higher intent and end state.  Lethality in the S3 shop is essentially effective communication of orders with subordinate units.  Without an effective S3 shop, an entire Battalion can be ineffective.

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• Ex: A Rifle Platoon Leader is lethal because he or she has certified Fire Teams, and can effectively maneuver Squads against enemy forces.  Lethality comes from this PL's ability to maneuver elements to close with, and kill, enemy elements.  Without lethal Platoons, a Company is in-operational.

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• A Maintenance Section Chief's lethality comes from his or her ability to lead maintenance operations for an assigned Company, ensuring maintenance is effectively and aggressively pursued, for maximum, possible combat strength.  Without proper maintenance leadership and programs, units cannot accomplish their mission.

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