Many have defined the characteristics, tools, and methods of superior leadership. There are enough published books and essays to fill the cargo beds of a C-141 aircraft. A truncated description that I favor is one published by General Steven Lorenz, USAF. General Lorenz - fair, firm, and demanding. That was a great start but got me to thinking.

I recall General Lee’s missive to General John Hood where he wrote, “They (the Army) will go anywhere and do anything if properly led. But there is the difficulty — proper commanders.” One glance at the list below and it becomes obvious why it is so hard to find capable senior leaders.

• Passionate/caring

• Motivation

• Enthusiastic

• Strong character

• Facilitator

• Teacher/coach

• Intelligent (in most cases, not intellectual)

• Indifferent to self-feelings

• Dramatist (good actor when necessary)

• Influential

• Cheerleader

• Visionary

• Sound judgment/prudence

• Sober

• Impatient (when necessary)

• Analytical

• Objective

• Self-confident

• Self-control

• Calm in crisis

• Wary of staff consensus

• Courageous

• Decisive

• Extreme situational awareness

• No fear of accountability

• Non-emotional in critical decisions

• Sage-like

• Edge (you figure out what that means)

• Promptitude