I joined the Army at a young age. One of the first steps up for a small leadership role requires completion of a junior non-commissioned officer’s course. Successful completion would generally result in promotion from private to lance corporal (one strip). With my first command and one stripe up, I could hear the drums beating and piper’s playing The Black Bear (link) as I stepped off for the parade square. I was a soldier taking the Queen’s shilling off the drumhead.
One of my instructors was a senior gnarly old sergeant from the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment of Canada). For some reason, we bonded during the course and during one of the many conversations he shared with me was what he described as all I needed to know about leadership.
He said … remember these…the 3 F’s… Firm… Fair… And Friendly.
They have stayed with me all these years. I still use them today in my class dealing with students and colleagues. I commend them to you.
FYI …
This is my Regiment when we were disbanded by Prime Minister Trudeau at the suggestion of Minister of Defence, Paul Hellyer… “For many this was the … “Last parade at Gagetown… very sad day to the best Regiment we had in the Can. Army”. I resigned from my commission shortly thereafter…
You also might enjoy listening to much loved and respected Bonnie Mc Alpine (Wife of my Colonel — Lt. Col Duncan A. Mc Alpine (2RHC) in Werl (W) Germany early 60’s).
