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Leadership Reflections of a YSL
Earlier today, a colleague asked me about my leadership philosophy. It’s a question I pondered deeply during my time as a YSL — Young Second Lieutenant.
In my role as an officer leading a Platoon, I wielded formal authority to punish or reward my men based on their adherence to orders. However, when those orders potentially jeopardized their lives, I realized that neither punishment nor reward could outweigh the gravity of their sacrifice. This epiphany underscored a fundamental truth: leadership transcends mere coercion and incentive. At its core, leadership hinges on the cultivation of trust.
For me, leadership is synonymous with earning the unwavering trust of those under my command. It entails demonstrating a profound regard for each individual and ensuring that every directive serves their best interests. Even when the stakes are high, and peril looms, I strive to impart a sense of purpose — a conviction that their actions serve a greater good, benefiting those they hold dear.
This understanding fundamentally reshaped my approach to leadership, steering it away from hierarchical titles towards a foundation of character. Since my early days as an officer, I’ve endeavored to lead by embodying three core principles:
