Leadership... What does it mean to me?

Today, my best buddy asked me a very simple, but deep question. What qualifies you to be a leader? What makes you different then your men?

I was told that they were asked such questions while they were under stressful conditions. It was a hard thing to answer as it took me awhile to think. I answered and said that it was because, under one of the test, I was able to work under stressful conditions. But to a certain extent.

"Nope, you are not answering my question. What makes you different than a man, why are you chosen to lead? You are answering me what it takes to be a commander."

Now I feel insecure. For many times I wondered how am I going to lead men in a shallow manner. I have never thought of such questions in my life. But when the question comes to you, and especially when you are in Leadership School, you must have the desire as well as the qualifications to be a leader! There must be something in you that makes you different! I could not grasp the answer which in the end my friend told me.

"The answer is simple. I answered to my officer in charge, that I have what it takes to think two steps ahead of my men." or something like that. It means that, leadership is not about physical. But if you have physical, it will be a bonus somehow to lead men. That keeps me thinking. Leaders also have to maintain self-discipline in order to lead by example. The goal of the leader is to lead in situations where your men are all tired but you are the one standing, able to make decisions and execute in a fast manner. I hope to be able to like that guy, high endurance, gold IPPT, and SOC passed with a great timing.

But all these comes with effort. No pain, no gain.

I have to start empowering myself and tell myself that I am a leader, I need that "aggressive" mentality in me so that I will be able to have the confidence to lead. Always be ethical to be that role model and to ensure that my section is able to function well and to not give up.