lessonslearned Diverse Talents A 74 MILITARY OFFICER APRIL 2011


A mustang in the Army National Guard treats those under his command the way he was treated as an enlisted infantryman — until an epiphany leads to a new approach.


As a young enlisted infantryman in the Army National Guard, I watched our platoon leader, a second lieutenant, give orders with the authority of God him- self. We had to leap to attention when he approached, call him “sir,” and get out of his way when he passed by. I watched him thrive on the power and authority granted him by the U.S. Army as he berated sergeants twice his age who had a greater experience level; I could observe their clenched jaws and defensive body posture as they endured the humiliation of being treated like lowly lackeys. I empa- thized with them because I hated anyone treating me with contempt. I instinctively knew it was wrong to


use power and authority of higher rank to gain an ego boost at the expense of the dignity of others, many of whom were teachers, successful business owners, coaches, and professionals in the world outside of National Guard duties. However, I thought that was the Army way, so I adopted that leadership model as I attended OCS and later when I was commissioned as a second lieutenant. The military traditions of deference and


respect granted an offi cer did appeal to my ego, as 40 soldiers would leap to attention as I entered their barracks, magically move to the side as I approached, and call me sir. I, too, thrived on possessing God-like au- thority and continued to emulate the mili-


tary leaders who infl uenced me during my formative years as an infantryman. My lesson learned happened one day at


the pistol range as a young sergeant and I were qualifying. I was struggling to add up my score when he looked at my card from across the table and added it within seconds — looking at it upside down. He had earned a master’s degree, had taught at a communi- ty college, and was working on his doctorate — all while serving in the National Guard. At that moment, I understood everyone had talents and experience I would never have. I immediately adopted a servant- leadership style, using the authority granted to me by my rank as an offi cer to be a servant, empower subordinates, and improve the organization. I chose to dem-


strong points


onstrate the Army values of respect, loyalty, and selfl ess service to all soldiers, regard- less of rank. The servant-leadership style rewarded me with a terrifi c career and hundreds of dedicated soldiers who would choose to go to war with me.


MO


— Kevin Lindsay is an Army lieutenant colonel who currently is stationed at Fort Leav- enworth, Kan., and is an instructor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. For submission information, see page 20.


Tell Your Story Submit your lessons learned by e-mail to profseries@moaa.org or by mail to MOAA Professional Series, 201 N. Washington St., Al- exandria, VA 22314. All submissions will be con- sidered for publication. Comment on the latest lesson or share your own at www.moaa.org/ lessonslearned.


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