Strategic Leadership: It Doesn't Take a Bully.

Abstract : Much has been written about leadership, managerial style, responsibility and duty. The definitions and maxims serve well to bracket the understanding of leadership and establish common ground for discussions of style, temperament and results. Many great leaders have added their views on the subject to explain who they are, and to further the development of others. The worth and importance of those who are lead; the follower, the subordinate, is not always as clearly defined in leadership studies. The case sometimes comes down to "do as I say, not as I do" when leaders' actions are examined against well established leadership principles. "It Doesn't Take a Bully" will examine temperament as it relates to leadership. This is not a study of different but equally acceptable leadership styles. It is about inappropriate and abusive behavior of the leader, regardless of his chosen style. Style is a leader's personal choice; abusive behavior is not. The alternative to dignified treatment of the led is undignified and wrong according to Army policy. The thesis is that it does not take abusive, threatening leadership to accomplish desired results. In fact the actions of a bully could actually hinder the mission.