Courage is an essential trait for a military leader, encompassing both physical and moral aspects. Physical courage involves overcoming fear in the face of danger, while moral courage involves standing by one’s beliefs even in the face of opposition from superiors. Courage is crucial for making tough decisions in challenging situations, and a leader without courage is unlikely to succeed.
A military leader must also have a prominent and benevolent personality. This means being honest, selfless, humble, and willing to make sacrifices. The eight personality traits known as hasta brata, inspired by Indonesian forefathers, emphasize the qualities of a good leader such as being broad-minded, a guiding light, a source of hope, steadfast, understanding, warm, influential, and a source of positive energy.
Loyalty is another important trait for a military leader, encompassing commitment to the country, the nation, and the people. A leader must prioritize the interests of their organization, comrades, and subordinates above their own, and always strive to defend and support their team.
In addition to personal qualities, a successful military leader must also possess professional skills and capabilities. This includes a deep understanding of their field, mastery of techniques and tactics, and the ability to envision and lead at multiple levels within their organization.
Passion is another crucial element of effective leadership, driving a leader to act dynamically, endure suffering, and achieve victory. Without passion, a leader may struggle to inspire and motivate their team to achieve success.
Finally, physical fitness, presence at critical moments, forward-thinking, creativity, cybernetics, Murphy’s Law, and a sense of responsibility are all key aspects of successful military leadership. By embodying these traits and principles, a military leader can effectively lead their team to success and overcome challenges in the face of adversity.