CHAPTER 21
LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION
Today’s Navy operates with fewer people and
resources than before. Therefore, good leadership is
more important than ever. You may think that because
you are nonrated, leadership doesn’t apply to you.
You’re wrong! Learn as much as you can about
leadership. Your leadership skills will have a strong
impact on your Navy career and your personal life. It
doesn’t matter whether you’re an apprentice, a chief
petty officer, a division officer, or a commanding
officer; you will assume responsibility and exercise
authority within the chain of command. As you advance
to higher rates, you’ll assume more authority and
responsibility as a leader. Now is the time for you to
learn about leadership.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP
AND FOLLOWERSHIP
Learning Objectives: When you finish this chapter, you
will be able to—
Recognize the purpose of followership and
leadership.
Identify the fundamentals of leadership,
including core values.
The Navy defines leadership as the art of
influencing people to progress towards the
accomplishment of a specific goal. Leadership occurs
when one person influences other people to work
toward a definite goal.
Leadership is based on personal example, good
management practices, and moral responsibility. Every
person in the Navy must set an example of military
ideals and give personal attention and supervision to
personnel below them in the chain of command.
You can determine your leadership ability by—
Examining your conduct
Reviewing your duties and responsibilities
Determining how well you’re performing
If you don’t measure up to Navy standards, take
steps to raise your performance level as well as the
performance of the personnel who work for you.
ELEMENTS OF LEADERSHIP
You’ve heard the expression “leaders are born, not
made” or “that person’s a born leader.” Forget these
phrases; no one is a “born leader.” Many people are
“natural” leaders because of their strong, magnetic
personality or because of their natural ability to learn
rapidly (fast). However, such people are the exception,
not the rule. Because leaders aren’t “born,” they must be
“made” (trained). There are three elements that make an
effective Navy leader:
1. Moral principles
2. Personal example
3. Administrative ability
Moral Principles
Moral principles include honesty, integrity, and
loyalty. These principles of human conduct provide
direction, solidity, and consistency to leadership.
The key to leadership is the emphasis you place on
personal moral responsibility. You show personal moral
responsibility by being honest and loyal. Your
shipmates see those traits as your moral character. And a
strong moral character influences others in a positive
manner.
Personal Example
Leading by personal examples goes along with
moral responsibility. Effective leaders have many
different leadership traits, such as know-how, sincerity,
and courage. Which trait is the most important is a
21-1
To lead, you must first be able to follow; for without followers,
there can be no leader.
—Navy Saying
