Leadership Reflection

The Army defines leadership as “the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization” (ADP 6-22, 2012, p 1). Every Soldier in the United States Army has leaders they look up to and aspire to be because leader encompass core attributes and characteristics that shape the soldiers around him. For me, that leader is first sergeant (1SG) Stephen Liest because of his presence, character and intellect. His ability to lead, develop, and achieve inspired, shaped and motivated his soldiers to be better for themselves and for the organization. These competencies and attributes left a lasting impression, which formed the basis of the legacy I wish to leave behind. I first

The Soldiers in the section reacted negatively to marching around in formation, which was normal for anything that was not a job specific task. After the training, rather than conducting an after action review, 1SG Liest explained why he chose drill and ceremony for the first training event. He stated, “discipline applies to all aspects of Army service, from ensuring your room was clean to making it to formation on time.” He even addressed how it applies to our jobs as intelligence analysts by following the rules and regulations that govern our profession. I took this lesson to heart and it was in that moment that I realized I would never forget 1SG Liest. The lessons that he taught me and continued to teach me during the time we worked together continue to shape my leadership style.

1SG Liest’s character went beyond that of the day-to-day operations of the section. He organized multiple events to raise money for various charities and he encouraged the section to participate in these events to establish outreach in the community. His character touched and spread to the soldiers and this allowed his legacy to continue on in future generations of soldiers of that unit

Previous leaders I had were very intelligent in the technical aspects of their job. They offered instruction on the critical tasks that made a successful intelligence analyst but 1SG Liest possessed a wealth of knowledge beyond that of an intelligence sergeant. He drew on knowledge from his previous experiences and duty positions to educate his soldiers, enhancing both technical and tactical proficiency. He went out of his of his way to ensure he developed soldiers who were well rounded and capable of performing all tasks that might be required as a soldier in the United States