A Father’s
Leadership Litmus
Test
Caring about the quality of leadership
by Col Anthony J. Johnson
Over the last 22 years I have had the privilege to observe thousands of leaders. I have also had the opportunity to
evaluate many, either through fitness
reports or proficiency/conduct marks.
Throughout this experience I have
sought to refine my expectations and
improve my judgment of the Marines
who work for me and the officers for
whom I have worked. Every Marine
learns about leadership traits and principles during either boot camp or Officer Candidates School. These are
great starting points, yet good leadership requires much more. As I have
struggled to evaluate my fellow
Marines, I have developed my own litmus test by which I measure a leader’s
results. It is simple, yet very practical:
would I want my son in that unit or
under that Marine’s direct influence?
As the father of four boys, who all
have some bent toward military service, I have often considered how leaders or, more accurately, seniors affect
the lives of the young men and women
who join our Corps. As my own children have grown I have become increasingly appreciative of the treasure
that the parents of our Nation have entrusted to our care and stewardship.
Command climate is easy to assess. Would I want my son or daughter to serve under the commander? (Photo by Christine Cabalo.)
>Col Johnson is a graduate of the
U.S. Army War College and is currently the CO, Marine Detachment,
Fort Sill, OK. This article was his
Hogaboom Leadership Writing Contest entry.
