Once upon a time I took a leadership module in college and as part of the class a high ranking army officer came in to talk to us.
I’ve forgotten most of what he said but what did resonate with me was he spoke about the need for the followers to feel the leader cared about them.
If the sergeant showed no concern for the safety of his troops and treated them like cannon fodder there was more likely to be dissent.
If the soldiers had faith in the sergeant to get them through this next battle alive they were more likely to be motivated and have high morale.
I was surprised by the softness of the sentiment especially coming from such a stern individual but it made total sense.
You want to be seen as a person not a pawn.
Thomas Duggan 