Chapter 2 – The Basics

The purpose of this chapter is to expand on the definitions of “The Basic” identified in chapter 1.

1. Respect for Others

Respect for Others and your leaders (teachers) must be established before beginning your trainings as a follower (student). Without the respect for others the learning environment can not take place. The process for establishing respect for others has several parts; (1) Listen to what is being taught by the classroom leader; (2) When asking questions avoid confrontation, be positive in both thought and deed; (3) Pay attention to the others in the classroom (students) and provide assistance as necessary to complete the learning experience; (4) The interaction between you and your classmates is one of the training exercises needed by the student to form leadership skills. Forming relationships provides you with the knowledge of acting and reacting with other people. Treating others as you want to be treated allows for a positive relationship to begin and is the foundation of Respect for Others.

2. Positive Attitude

Positive Attitude is a key to understanding. Having a positive attitude allows your mind to receive and accept the ideas and information being taught by your teacher. Even if you may disagree or even reject certain requests asked of the teacher, having a positive attitude keeps your mind open and clears the path for continued learning. Disagreement may in itself be positive because it allows a thinking mind to question, which is very important in problem solving, and is another important requirement of a leader.

3. Integrity

Integrity is all about you, personally. Integrity is about your character, your honor. Do you believe and practice good ethics, justice and rightness and apply it to your own conduct first. Integrity includes honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty and dependability as well as morality. These qualities are part of your character and will separate you from everyone else. It separates the average leader from the good leader.

4. Self-Discipline

Self-Discipline is all about you controlling your actions both mentally and physically. There are several type of discipline, such as, task, group and imposed disciplines. Self-Discipline is of the highest order of all of these and determines the value you place on yourself to accomplish all the others. If you can be self-disciplined enough to control you’re mental and physical actions the more accomplished you will be as a leader.

5. Be Able to Listen

Be Able to Listen is important because it lays the foundation for all the others. There is a difference between hearing and listening. Listening involves concentration and understanding that provides a person with the ability to comprehend meaning. Information is transmitted in many different ways and media such as the written word, pictures and sound. Our life depends mostly on our ability to understand and even respond to these channels of communications. To listen and comprehend information are the keys to learning and being able to listen is how it is accomplished.