Leadership

[Tgace]

The resource I quoted...http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/22-100/toc.htm summarizes as so.​

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2-119. As an Army leader, leadership in combat is your primary and most important challenge. It requires you to accept a set of values that contributes to a core of motivation and will. If you fail to accept and live these Army values, your soldiers may die unnecessarily and you may fail to accomplish your mission.

2-120. What must you, as an Army leader, BE, KNOW, and DO? You must have character, that combination of values and attributes that underlie your ability to see what needs to be done, decide to do it, and influence others to follow you. You must be competent, that is, possess the knowledge and skills required to do your job right. And you must lead, take the proper actions to accomplish the mission based on what your character tells you is ethically right and appropriate for the situation.

2-121. Leadership in combat, the greatest challenge, requires a basis for your motivation and will. That foundation is Army values. In them are rooted the basis for the character and self-discipline that generate the will to succeed and the motivation to persevere. From this motivation derives the lifelong work of self-development in the skills that make a successful Army leader, one who walks the talk of BE, KNOW, DO. Chapter 3 examines the environment that surrounds your people and how what you do as a leader affects it. Understanding the human dimension is essential to mastering leader skills and performing leader actions.

 

[Rich Parsons]

Leadership is influencing people—by providing purpose, direction, and motivation—while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization.

Is it possible to accomplish only a part of the list, or must you always accomplish the whole and complete list?

Thank You for your replies

 

[pete]

I do not believe that correct movements manifest themselves, especially for beginning students in the mechanical phase. Some students find it challenging enough to simply coordinate their hand and foot movements let alone be able to grasp a principle behind that movement.

have you ever done or seen someone do a technique that just doesn't look right, or feel right? then go on to force it to work? then it just doesn't work on a body? well, my point here is the understanding of the underlying principles will point to the problem and the correction will unfold.... and when it does, it will transcend the single "problem" technique and apply to many.

its never too early to teach proper principles, and not just as words but as physical demonstrations for every learning style and every individual.

Students are complaining about how differently they are being taught in our school (I was approached by two students just last night on this very subject).

I haven't received any complaints. Whenever someone has pointed to a difference between instructors or a question regarding a particular movement, i always go back to the principles. we work it both ways, and if the differences are both "correct" in regard to principles and effectiveness, i leave it to the student. i'll say "i do it this way, but that way is good too!"

Like I say, I haven't seen much in the way of frustration in my classes.

we have the luxury of being able to say that we did not have to learn from student instructors

i've learned plenty from student instructors and peers...and continue to~

and while occasionally our instructor may have refined or changed something in a technique there was usually good reason attached to that change.

as we should also...

Our teacher need not be on the premises for you to know that if you have a question his door is always open.

it wasn't by my request that he's left me alone for my classes. i understand his door is open, he's made that clear, but i accept the responsibility and his trust in my methods.

I think they do get something out of learning from us all, but it's important especially for beginners to have a common reference point from which to begin.

yes, a good understanding of the principles, and how they are applied in the system. from there, everything is possible...

ciao for now...

pete

 

[mj-hi-yah]

As I sense that Tgace was asking us in a very nice way to remain on topic, if you like Pete we can discuss this further on our own....anytime! Seeing where other people stand is always a good thing!

 

[Tgace]

Is it possible to accomplish only a part of the list, or must you always accomplish the whole and complete list?

Thank You for your replies

I would say you need all of them if you want to be a good leader.

Leadership starts at the top, with the character of the leader, with your character. In order to lead others, you must first make sure your own house is in order. For example, the first line of The Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer states, "No one is more professional than I." But it takes a remarkable person to move from memorizing a creed to actually living that creed; a true leader is that remarkable person.

 

[terryl965]

I've reed all of this forum and not one place or sentence does anybody mention to be humble, I know a great leader is one that can express himself, one that is able to correct someone without making them feel less than a person..... A humble leader can get more out of a person than a dictator can......GOD BLESS AMERICA

 

[mj-hi-yah]

Leaders are like Eagles, "Eagles don't flock-you have to find them one at a time."-H. Ross Pero

Interesting quote...

One of the things that my instructor does, or at least did when my son was studying there to try and develop leadership qualities in his young students is the SWAT Team, which stands for: Special Winning Attitude Team. The children who are given this honor are those who show qualities like responsibility, self discipline and respect. They wear a patch indicating their hard work and dedication. These kids are invited to help out with the younger groups to serve as an example of excellence.

MJ :asian:

 

[TigerWoman]

This is a great thread. We also have had a black belt class but interest/motivation dwindled to just three of us. Why, because it was not providing what we needed to improve. We didn't really need an exhausting workout, mind-numbing one move at a time-in unison-form, and many more etcs.

We had as Tgace stated, no "purpose, direction or motivation".
We were being trained to the lowest common denominator not to the highest or even to the median.

And yes, I think humility is one of the most important values that a master/instructor/teacher has to have, not just say, but show - being able to say I'm sorry, was one of the real reasons I came to trust my master and the reason, I have stopped. A leader must have confidence but more, humility.
Also, he has to value a woman's opinion. I feel in the past, I was listened to but not considered. Then a MAN BB would come in with the same idea, and it would be promoted. Yeah, sexist. Not good. We women are the organizers, thinkers, workers of an organization. (just like we are the glue in our families ).

I think the reason for teaching the teachers together in an instruction program is to get together ONE way to teach the students so that it is not confusing. This is the master's responsibility to have some form of continuity. This is the way it is done and everyone follows that. If you learn step one from that teacher, you will know how he teaches that step one. I truly wish we had GOOD teacher instruction classes.

I took my own notes about his way of teaching so that being 40-something then, I could remember. Then I got books and changed whatever conflicted so if I needed to reference it, it was there. But the details have to be left to the master, they are not in the book. And while some can be written down not all, most come from memory and have to be passed to the students with some continuity in the teaching. TW

 

[Tgace]

Found this link. Its is VERY interesting.

http://uechi-ryu.com/oldsite/evolution_of_martial_arts_politi.htm

 

[mj-hi-yah]

Found this link. Its is VERY interesting.

http://uechi-ryu.com/oldsite/evolution_of_martial_arts_politi.htm

Tgace this is a great link. The history is interesting, but the strategies presented after the summary are a great way to personally and proactively counter some of the unfortunate politics of martial studies in modern society. I've had the pleasure of communicating with a number of people through MT who are in their own way doing some of the things mentioned here, but there are still the zealots and money hungry and or rank focused types abound. I wonder are they simply a product of a cycle of modern commercialism of the arts. If you've only existed in the darkness than without someone to show you the light you may come to believe that darkness is all there is. There is much less of this in an art like Aikido, as it is nonprofit and "tuition" is kept very low and is collected only as a means of maintaining the school. No one draws a salary. People teach because they desire to pass on their knowledge of the art.



BTW This link also goes well with my obsession thread...the part about being more well rounded...I've got to do more with my other hobbies! :uhyeah:

 

[Tgace]

Just a general question....

What does your instructor do/not do that makes him/her a good/bad leader? In other words, how do you know one when you see one?

 

[Rick Wade]

Simple my Instructor does what he says he is going to do. He is there for me in more than just a Kenpo state of mind.

V/R
Rick

 

[mj-hi-yah]

Just a general question....

What does your instructor do/not do that makes him/her a good/bad leader? In other words, how do you know one when you see one?

I know my instructor is a good leader, because when he speaks we all want to listen to what he has to say. A good leader takes control of a given situation and directs people into action, and the people move even if it is not something they really feel like doing or want to do like shoulder rolls for instance. You do them because all he need do is ask. You respect and trust him because he has given you reason to. He is perceptive, adaptable and publicly, unquestionably, even handed with his students. He has knowledge to share and confidently demonstrates it. He is a very good leader :viking2: and I know it because people vote with their feet and he gets a great turnout!

MJ :asian:

 

[terryl965]

Just a general question....

What does your instructor do/not do that makes him/her a good/bad leader? In other words, how do you know one when you see one?

Well first and formost you have to know your students, I know each and every student of mine to a point that I can relate to them about there life and not just there MA. You have to know there capabilities, there quirks, and above all respect them for who they are not what you would want them to be, Each person is different you cannot train everybody the same you can teach the same techinique but everybody as there own piece of the system that they can conveyed to the instructor. Ever been to a tournament and watch 50 Poomsee,Kata or form done each one the same but then each one a little different that is what make a person unique they have to be able to adjust for ther students... GOD BLESS AMERICA

 

[loki09789]

Good leaders/teachers of martial arts make tough decisions, whether kicking people out because they are a detriment to a group or standing up to seniors when issues arise that need to be handled because inaction can lead to the breakdown of a group. My instructor has done both when the cost of doing so was high, but the right thing to do.

Also, since MA 'leaders' are primarily seen as instructors, they should be examples of always seeking knowledge and growth and encourage that in their people as well. Jerome always leaves a revolving door policy that you can see, train, attend seminars with who ever you want in or outside of Kenpo/Escrima. Why? Because it is about learning to defend yourself NOT artistry first in our program. If you expose yourself to other ways of fighting/training, you can compare and contrast and evaluate more honestly if what you are doing is for you or not. Yes it might slow down the learning curve or create questions/confusion, but the process of working through those 'problems' and finding the answers that work for you make you a stronger, more confident self defense artist because you KNOW what you know is right for you because you have not existed in a stylistic vacuum.

At the higher levels, we even had to find a topic of exploration for ourselves to apply our martial/conceptual abilities to so that we can 'make it our own' by doing it on our own.

 

[pete]

The single most important ingredient found in a leader is integrity. without integrity, there will eventually be a lack of trust and questioning of motives by the group. integrity includes the qualities of honesty, consistency, and concern.

A leader does not have to say much, but whatever is said must be unequivocal. A leader must communicate directly and with integrity.

A leader must have a plan. it is not acceptable for a leader to "wing-it" or be easily led astray by external distractions or forces from within the group. yet, a leader must be flexible enough to understand the needs of the group and changes affecting the plan and consider options to enable individuals to reach their potential.

An effective leader will lead by example, not to create carbon copies of himself, but will instill the principles and ethics required for each disciple to grow in their own way. A leader must care enough about the success of the group to motivate each as an individual, while concern enough for each individual to motivate the group as a unit.

A leader must be understanding and accepting of his own limitations. Without such understanding, he cannot help others with integrity. To do so, a leader must exhibit humility.

A leader must know when a goal has been reached, either by the group, by an individual, or by himself. A leader must be confident enough to "let go" and encourage individual exploration... realizing some may not return to him, or return with different ideas. A leader must recognize the achievements within the group, and possibly the development of a peer, or equal, who is ready to lead their own group.

A leader must also be a disciple. He must continue to grow and develop as he develops others. He must put the same trust in his mentor as he would expect from those under his mentoring.

A leader is not gender-specific... i've used the masculine for ease in writing purposes only!

pete

 

[SMP]

True leaders lead because others choose to follow them. If people choose to follow a instructor they do not respect it is their choice - no one is forcing them.

 

[ppko]

True leaders lead because others choose to follow them. If people choose to follow a instructor they do not respect it is their choice - no one is forcing them.

A very good point

 

[TigerWoman]

True leaders lead because others choose to follow them. If people choose to follow a instructor they do not respect it is their choice - no one is forcing them.

That's pretty black and white. What if you want to continue the martial art and that is the only way. You can once have high respect for your teacher, and if lost, then just a common respect. But, respect can be regained, it is not impossible. Humility on the part of the instructor who does not have respect is the key and of course, the time to build it back. Of course, if you never respected your instructor, why join in the first place? TW

 

[MichiganTKD]

For me, the choice is easy. I cannot follow leaders I do not respect. There are Master Instructors within our Organization that I do not respect. I respect their rank, but would never choose to call them my Instructor because I do not respect them as people and as representatives of Tae Kwon Do. At best, in their presence I tolerate them and nod my head when they speak.
If it came down to it, I would follow my own path rather follow someone who has not earned my respect. They are not leaders.

For example, and I know some will disagree with me, I do not consider George W. Bush a leader. I consider him someone who lucked into his circumstances. Without his last name he'd be nothing.
H. Ross Perot was a good example of a leader. Key word "was". Is he now? I don't know.