Before I even start writing ANYTHING else, I want to make it quite clear, that this post is in now way a form of a complaint, but more of a statement of awareness.

Everyone loves getting promotions to their next available rank, some will even take up a role in TAW for nothing more than having a higher rank/position of power (also known as "rank chasers" or "position hunting").  But there are more often than not, those who take up a position to truly be there for their Battalion/Division/Corps for the betterment of the team (we call this last group of people "Servant Leaders"). 

So we'll start by covering these and how they affect TAW.

Rank Chasing and Position Hunting is generally disapproved of throughout our community.  When a person is focusing more on the rank and the power as opposed to helping the division, it will show.  This is not to be confused with someone knowing they have finished their probation period and inquiring about being promoted to the next rank they qualify for.  But a Position Hunter will generally look towards higher officer position in an attempt to assert the most power possible.  I have even seen it where Position Hunters have even went as far as to "sabotage" their CoC and get them removed from position, to try and claim the position.

We need to be fully aware of this, as it can and will hurt a Battalion/Division/Corps.  So when promoting people, please make sure they have earned their rank, make sure you are putting the most qualified person for the role into a position (not just to fill a position, if it needs to stay empty for a little bit, so be it), and always make sure of someone's reasons when they say "Hey, I noticed X position is open, I'd be more than happy to take on that position".

Absentee Leadership, is another style of leadership that baffles me to this day.  People are placed into a leadership role, and then turn into "Where's Waldo?".  They hold a position, they may have even been active during their probation period, but they eventually turn into a "Hide & Seek Champion" and members often wonder where that person went to.  These sort of people may be absent during every day of the week except during Mandatory times and then go back into hiding.  Yes, I do understand that real life will ALWAYS come first, but in a leadership position, trying to be on a few times per week shouldn't be that hard of an effort.  I know some people who are in TAW, are first responders, and still manage to get several hours in throughout the week in addition to their Mandatory Event.  Even if it's just for an hour our two a couple nights a week, your team will notice their leaders activity.

Servant Leadership: THIS is what is embraced in TAW.  Servant Leaders are there for their Battalion/Division/Corps.  They aren't concerned with Rank or Position, they just want to help.  It could be something as simple as being a DI/TI, they may offer "Hey, I'm not sure if there's any positions open, but I want to step up and help more.  If there's something you need help with, let me know and I'd be happy to help where I can".  A Servant Leader tries to do what is best to help out their "unit", while supporting, protecting, and upholding TAW's Policies & COE.  They don't try to actively sabotage anyone, they try and make the unit better.  They are the strength of our leadership.  These are the people you want to put into a position, you'll also notice their activity/attendance to be generally high.  

So in conclusion, if you notice someone is Position Hunting/Rank Chasing, don't put them in a position.  Wait until you find the right person for that job.  Just because a position is open, doesn't mean it needs to be filled right away.  If you notice your leaders are becoming "Where's Waldo", reach out to them and make sure everything is okay.  There may be a reason they aren't on as much, such as family or work.  But if you notice someone who is there for the betterment of the unit, and is showing they want to help, take note & talk to them.  They may just be your next officer.  Oh and remember, always be keeping an eye out for your replacement....you never know when you might get promoted.

This goes in part of being a servant leader; groom other so they can be the one who takes over.  

There's also the members that find the perfect position for them and stick with it for years.  I've noticed a ton of SLs that have said, "Hey I'm great where I'm at.  I love leading a squad but anything more would be too taxing on my personal life".  I find that these guys form the backbone of some Divisions where you can always count on them to be there, they don't complain if other people get promoted, and they are just along for the ride to have fun.  These guys are the most chill players I know.  Some of my squad leaders have been around for years.  Great dudes, very knowledgeable, super laid back, and able to give you solid leadership advice when asked.  Love those dudes!

I think you forgot one of the most dangerous types of leader, and that's the Micro Manager. Someone that is perhaps opposite to the absentee example above, and doesn't know when to back off.

This is an easy one to spot in TAW, it's the person that gets promoted to the next job, but cannot let go of their previous one, one that they often find themselves above, and responsible for promoting a new leader to fulfil.

The remedy: Do you own job!

Well said Maverick, esp. the remedy part, a lot of unnecessary problems are connected with "looking over the fence." Do your job as best you can and stop worrying so much about what others are doing in their sandbox.

This topic could be discussed for ages, so many leadership style out there. I think one key element is self insight, know you limitations, strengths, flaws and etc and embrace them. Because when you do you rise above them and truly can make a difference.

I am the first to admit I am probably considered a "micro manager" at times but I have embraced that, I tend to want to help out too much but I don't consider that a bad trait, rather the opposite. Being aware of that trait it what is important, that way you can find yourself about to do something and then you realize "oh right, not supposed to be doing this"

One leadership style that I absolutly hate is the person that won't consider being wrong. That is to me the most dangerous one, regardless of the experience, age, education and etc, you could be wrong. I guess this comes down to kind of the same I was mentioning earlier, self insight. 

Anyhow, a large topic but some closing words about leadership:

• Embrace you strengths and flaws (self awarness).
• Always approach someone the same way you would expect to be from their side of the table.
• Be open minded.
• Provide explanations to decisions. 
• Inspire Others
• Coach other to learn, don't just instruct them. 

Plenty of more from what that came from but yeah. Find your own leadership styles but always keep in mind to strive to be fair and open to new ideas and most other things you can figure out as you go

Leadership Styles, could be a good TFO round table.