Major Kresna Hendra Wibawa / Flight 17 / MT-601 / 20 September 2023
General Douglas MacArthur said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”[1] These words were inspired by his mother’s encouragement to be self-confident and self-reliant and to know that even if you fail, you have tried your best.[2] This attribute was the primary factor contributing to his status as a profoundly influential figure in the American military leader who served in various prominent roles throughout his career. It also laid the foundation for his leadership style during the Second World War and Korea[3]. Studying the leadership style shown by past military figures offers an opportunity to evaluate and establish a superior model that may be a source of inspiration. This approach is often regarded as guiding our behavior should we be entrusted with organizational leadership responsibilities. As we all might know, leadership is the process through which individuals in positions of authority use their influence on others to attain shared objectives collectively.[4] The explanation of this concept entails identifying three interconnected components: ourselves, other individuals, or our subordinates, and the shared objective, which, in this context, refers to the organization.[5] This essay will analyze General Douglas MacArthur’s leadership as a lesson learned for current and future field grade leaders, focusing on his leadership character, power and influence, and leading the organizational changes.
The
character of Douglas MacArthur was incredibly robust. He did not get this
immediately, even though he came from a military family, but it was formed
through learning and experience. Both learned from his parents’ experiences and
through his education at West Point, where he learned about the power of
self-discipline and self-assertion.[6] Beginning
with his first opportunity to lead at summer camp during his first year at West
Point, he had shown good leadership qualities.[7] Moreover,
although others questioned his decision to defend the Philippines during the
Korean War, he had a great deal of self-assurance and was ultimately successful
in establishing that his choice was correct.[8] This
characteristic was ingrained in his personality, which he later brought to the
pinnacle of his leadership career. Gaining wisdom from his experiences, we must
be capable of guiding ourselves before we can lead others. How can we solve the
problems of the people we lead if we cannot confront our own? How can we serve
as an example to our subordinates if we cannot demonstrate our abilities,
skills, and confidence in front of them? Because being a good leader is
determined by competence and character.[9]
Douglas
MacArthur effectively utilized his power to influence others to achieve the
desired objective. Not only did he wield legitimate power, but he also wielded
expert power. In order to influence others, he utilized his position as a
military leader as legitimate power, followed by his skill, ability, and
knowledge as expert power.[10] Colonel
William Addleman Ganoe, the superintendent’s official adjutant at the academy,
immediately recognized MacArthur’s extraordinary and enduring ability to
inspire confidence in those who worked with and for him and his willingness to
let people manage tasks and assignments in their own manner. MacArthur’s
determination to cut through red tape to do the right thing also fostered
loyalty.[11]
His proficiency in military strategies, astute strategic analysis, profound
understanding of political science, and diplomatic negotiations earned him
admiration and respect from allies and adversaries.[12] Additionally,
he had a reputation among his subordinates for possessing exceptional physical
bravery and exemplary professional conduct with visionary thinking, high
intellectual capabilities, and remarkable moral fortitude.[13]
This teaches us that MacArthur’s authority is not derived just from the fact
that he has a position that makes it easier for him to exert his influence over
his subordinates. This is a valuable lesson that we can take away from this.
Still, he is more advanced in applying his expert talents because by
demonstrating his abilities, he will motivate the subordinate with all of his heart
to be inspired and produce a role model that will follow what he desires.
Furthermore,
one of MacArthur’s accomplishments is that he effected organizational change. That
is when he got a job as superintendent at West Point, even though he did not
like the new placement. The change was not easy because it had to change a
long-established culture in the organization. He had been through many
challenges and disagreements with people who had been there for a long time,
including his leaders, who opposed his ideas. The basis of his thinking in the
change is that West Point graduate officers must have endless mental and
physical readiness and must also learn to lead their troops, so they must
understand their thinking, motivations, and perspectives on the world.[14]
Finally, in 1921, vital changes were made, namely no more summer camps, the
abolition of hazing in the academy, and the setting up of an Honor Committee
that ensured all cadet’s words were always accepted and expected always to tell
the truth.[15] He made
adapting to the future seem not just possible but desirable. From that moment,
he assumed the role of an embodiment of unwavering fortitude, commanding
respect from individuals of ranks, ranging from high-ranking military officials
to ordinary soldiers. His every thought and action served as a wellspring of
optimism and motivation. This experience has taught us that the times
constantly change and will change even more rapidly as technology advances.
Change is a challenge to acclimate to the change of circumstances. A situation
in which a leader’s responsibility is to analyze the development of the times,
then attempt to make changes and assist others in adapting to the existing
changes. General Brown stated, “In the absence of change, it is reasonable to
assume that we will face a greater threat to our forces.”[16]
It is advisable to be well-prepared to begin a transformation.
General
Douglas MacArthur’s leadership provides valuable lessons for current and future
leaders by analyzing his character, power of influence, and how he led the
organization's change. His character, marked by unwavering determination,
self-confidence, and a commitment to duty and honor, formed the bedrock of his
leadership style. MacArthur’s ability to guide himself before leading others
underscores the importance of competence and character in leadership.
MacArthur’s skillful use of power and influence, both legitimate and expert,
allowed him to inspire confidence, motivate, and guide those under his command.
His mastery of military strategy and diplomatic negotiation and his reputation
for physical bravery solidified his position as a formidable leader who could
rally troops and allies alike. Moreover, MacArthur’s success in effecting
organizational change, particularly during his tenure as the superintendent at
West Point, highlights the necessity of adaptability in leadership. He
navigated challenges and opposition to implement vital changes that reflected
his vision for the future. In a world where change is constant, MacArthur’s legacy
serves as a reminder that leaders must possess the character, influence, and
adaptability required to meet evolving challenges. His example continues to
inspire those who aspire to lead with determination, expertise, and the
capacity to navigate transformation effectively.
NOTES
I want to thank our Leadership Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Jasso, Major Alan Ortega, and all the students of Flight 17 for their thoughtful comments and suggestions. All errors found therein are my own.
[1] https://juniorofficer.army.mil/traits-of-successful-leaders-decision-making/. Accessed September 17, 2023.
[2] William Manchester. American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880 - 1964. Back Bay Books, 2008, 37.
[3] Arthur Herman. Douglas MacArthur: American Warrior. New York: Random House, 2016, 88.
[4] Peter G. Northouse. Leadership: Theory and Practice, 7th ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE, 2010,
6.
[5] Ibid
[6] Arthur Herman. Douglas MacArthur: American Warrior, 33.
[7] Ibid
[8] Arthur Herman. Douglas
MacArthur: American Warrior, 375.
[9] Malham M. Wakin, Ethics,
Leadership, and Character. 72
[10] Fred C.
Lunenburg, Power and Leadership: An Influence Process. International
Journal of Management, Business, and Administration, Vol 15, Number 1, 2012,
2-3.
[11] Arthur Herman. Douglas
MacArthur: American Warrior, 88.
[12] William Manchester. American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880 – 1964, 398.
[13] Ibid, 113.
[14] Arthur Herman. Douglas MacArthur: American Warrior, 83-92.
[15] Ibid.
[16] General Charles
Q. Brown, Jr. Accelerate Change or Lose, 2020, 4.
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