An effective leader recognizes each person as an individual  with  different  values  and  beliefs.  Such influences   as   childhood   experiences,   ethnic background,  and  religious  heritage  determine  an individual’s personality, values, and beliefs. Because of  these  differences,  you  should  be  aware  that  the actions you take might affect one member of your work group differently than another. Your actions could have a positive effect on one person and a negative effect on another. As a conscientious leader, you should strive to identify and consider these differences when deciding upon   a   course   of   action.   By   considering   these individual   differences,   you   will   avoid   many misunderstandings and have a more positive influence on your subordinates. They will respect you as a person who supports equal opportunity for all. Success comes only through honest, equal, and thoughtful supervision of  your  people.  Remember,  since  people  are  your greatest   resource,   they   are   worthy   of   your understanding and respect. When you apply the basics of leadership presented here, you will have a foundation upon which you can build.  The  leadership  structure  you  build  is  only  as good as the foundation you lay. PERSONAL QUALITIES OF A LEADER You cannot expect your subordinates to maintain higher  standards  than  you  maintain  yourself.  You should set standards for yourself that you expect from others—commonly  referred  to  as   “leadership  by example.” People  have  certain  expectations  of  all  leaders. The  following  are  some  of  the  personal  qualities  or traits  expected  of  and  common  to  all  successful leaders: · HIGH STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE— They believe anything worth doing is worth doing right. They know a lack of high-performance standards results in sloppy work. They know sloppy work costs the Navy additional   time,   money,   and   materials;   but   most important of all, it could cost the loss of a life. · MORAL  COURAGE—They  stand  up  for  what is right, even in the face of popular disagreement. They also accept blame when at fault. · DEDICATION   TO   THE   NAVY   AND   THE NATION—They  are  proud  to  be  a  part  of  the  United States Navy and proud to be called Americans. · ENVIABLE EXAMPLE—They set an example that   is   above   reproach.   In   the   areas   of   conduct, appearance,  and  military  bearing,  they  show  qualities subordinates may wish to adopt for themselves. · INITIATIVE—They have an inward desire that motivates  them  to  excel;  they  also  are  willing  to  act without   orders   and   to   offer   well-considered recommendations   for   the   improvement   of   the command.   People   with   initiative   seek   positions   of leadership. · LOYALTY TO THE CHAIN OF COMMAND—They  remain  faithful  to  the  chain  of command. They know they cannot expect loyalty from subordinates  without  being  loyal  to  both  subordinates and superiors. Simply stated, we can depend on them to support all levels of the chain of command. · ACCOUNTABILITY—They   are   accountable, and  that  quality  forms  the  cornerstone  of  leadership. They   make   decisions,   good   or   bad,   and   accept   the responsibility and consequences for those decisions. FOLLOWERSHIP To lead, you must first be able to follow: for without followers, there can be no leaders. —Navy saying One   point   we   often   overlook   concerning successful  leaders  is  they  were  successful  followers before they became successful leaders. Understanding   the   followership   role   will   allow you  to  function  more  effectively  when  you  become  a leader.   To   understand   the   relationship   between followership and leadership, you should recognize the following facts: 1.   Followership and leadership are not opposites. The   idea   that   followership   is   the   reverse   or opposite  of  leadership  is  wrong.  For  example,  if  a leader is decisive, the reverse says that the follower is indecisive;   or   if   the   leader   is   organized,   that   the follower is disorganized. The list is unending, but you can   see   that   leadership   and   followership   are   not opposites. 2.   Leaders perform both roles at the same time. A  leadership  role  and  a  followership  role  can  be, and   usually   are,   performed   simultaneously.   In providing   guidance   for   the   worker,   a   supervisor   is functioning as a leader. At the same time, a leader may 1-3