USFK Chief Advises Korean Generals to Stay Consistent
By Michael Ha
Staff Reporter
The top general of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) has advised newly promoted South Korean military officers to stick with their leadership style and stay consistent.
USFK Commander Gen. Walter Sharp gave the advice in a meeting with some 25 newly promoted Korean military officers over the weekend.
Offering his take on what makes a good general, Sharp said that while there are different leadership styles found in different countries, there are five basic virtues military officials should always keep in mind, according to local reports.
First, he advised that newly promoted officials should stick with their leadership style and stay consistent. The fact that they have been promoted proves that their leadership has been effective, Sharp said. He urged newly promoted Korean officers to consistently practice their leadership.
The U.S. general also said that it is paramount for military leaders to look after their soldiers and ensure that they are well taken care of. A good military general must love and look after not only his soldiers but their families as well, Sharp said.
Another piece of advice from Gen. Sharp was to maintain effective communications with soldiers. He recommended that when a general issues an order, he must make sure that the rank-and-file have a full and clear understanding of the mission. He said an effective military leader must make sure that his message has been clearly communicated to his soldiers.
Sharp noted that in 99 percent of cases, failure in carrying out tasks is caused by miscommunication, particularly soldiers not fully understanding the orders from superiors, he said.
Effective military generals must make sure that soldiers are given detailed sets of instructions so that they don't waste their time, Sharp said.
He also advised that military leaders to fight enemies instead of rigid rules and plans. The U.S. general advised that good military generals not obsess over a single plan. Instead, he said, effective leaders can understand adapting to changing environments and situations and create new alternate plans, he said. Military leaders should be receptive to new and innovative ideas, he suggested.
Last, Sharp highlighted the importance of positive thinking and self-improvement. An effective general must have a positive influence on his soldiers, through positive thinking and a positive, upbeat attitude, according to the U.S. commander.
A good military general, he added, must also be in excellent physical and mental shape to be ever ready for conflict.