1-2 HOW DO LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS RELATE TO PEOPLE? The    most    important    element    of    leadership    is PEOPLE.   The   Navy   defines   leadership   as   follows: LEADERSHIP   IS   THE   ART   OF   INFLUENCING PEOPLE TO PROGRESS TOWARDS THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF A SPECIFIC GOAL. An  effective  leader  recognizes  each  person  as  an individual   with   different   values   and   beliefs.    Such influences as childhood experiences, ethnic background, and     religious     heritage     determine     an     individual’s personality,   values,   and   beliefs.    Because    of    these differences,  you  should  be  aware  that  the  actions  you take   might   affect   one   member   of   your   work   group differently  than   another.   Your   actions   could   have   a positive effect on one person and  a  negative  effect  on another. As a conscientious leader, you should strive to identify  and  consider  these  differences  when  deciding upon a course of action. By considering these individual differences, you will avoid many misunderstandings and have  a  more  positive  influence  on  your  subordinates. They will respect you as a person who supports equal opportunity for all. Success comes only through honest, equal,   and   thoughtful   supervision   of   your   people. Remember, since people are your greatest resource, they are worthy of your understanding and respect. When you apply the basics of leadership presented here,  you  will  have  a  foundation  upon  which  you  can build. The leadership structure you build is only as good as the foundation you lay. PERSONAL QUALITIES OF A LEADER You  cannot  expect  your  subordinates  to  maintain higher standards than you maintain yourself. You should set standards for yourself that you expect from others— commonly referred to as “leadership by example.” People have certain expectations of all leaders. The following  are  some  of  the  personal  qualities  or  traits expected of and common to all successful leaders: · HIGH STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE— They believe anything worth doing is worth doing right. They know a lack of high-performance standards results in sloppy work. They know sloppy work costs the Navy additional   time,   money,   and   materials;   but   most important of all, it could cost the loss of a life. · MORAL COURAGE—They stand up for what is right, even in the face of popular disagreement. They also accept blame when at fault. · DEDICATION  TO  THE  NAVY  AND  THE NATION—They are proud to be a part of the United States Navy and proud to be called an American. · ENVIABLE EXAMPLE—They set an example that   is   above   reproach.   In   the   areas   of   conduct, appearance,  and  military  bearing,  they  show  qualities subordinates may wish to adopt for themselves. · INITIATIVE—They have an inward desire that motivates  them  to  excel;  they  also  are  willing  to  act without orders and to offer well-considered recommendations for the improvement of the command. People with initiative seek positions of leadership. · LOYALTY TO THE CHAIN OF COMMAND—They  remain  faithful  to  the  chain  of command. They know they cannot expect loyalty from subordinates without being loyal to both subordinates and superiors. Simply stated, we can depend on them to support all levels of the chain of command. · ACCOUNTABILITY—They are accountable, and  that  quality  forms  the  cornerstone  of  leadership. They  make  decisions,  good  or  bad,  and  accept  the responsibility and consequences for those decisions. FOLLOWERSHIP To lead, you must first be able to follow: for  without  followers,  there  can  be  no leaders. —Navy saying One point we often overlook concerning successful leaders  is  they  were  successful  followers  before  they became successful leaders. Understanding the followership role will allow you to function more effectively when you become a leader. To understand the relationship between followership and leadership, you should recognize the following facts: 1. Followership and leadership are not opposites.