Commentary - Leadership not defined by shapes, sizes

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President James Madison led new nation during early trials, tribulations.
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Leadership not defined by shapes, sizes

Posted 4/26/2013

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Commentary by Col. Jerry Wizda
39th Medical Group commander

4/26/2013 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNS) -- Short in stature at 5 feet 4 inches, not particularly handsome, a bookworm and not exactly the life of the party, James Madison does not fit some perceptions of a leader.

In today's world, he probably would have been perceived as a nerd. But, his brilliant mind and leadership skills now have historians re-embracing Madison's presidency and his leadership.

President Madison is best known as "The Father of the Constitution." He was a delegate, unequaled in his writing abilities, who kept written documentation at every secret Constitutional Convention's meeting. Later, his Virginia Plan became the basis for our Constitution. What most people do not remember is President Madison's equally successful presidency, when he led an infant nation against the greatest naval power in the world and won. The War of 1812 remains "The Forgotten War." Many do not realize it was through President Madison's leadership the U.S. escaped becoming, once again, subjects of Great Britain.

So what personal attributes made this man an unlikely leader, and what can you take from the story of President Madison and apply to today's world to make you a leader?

First, always believe in yourself and never doubt your abilities. This is probably the hardest perception to embrace. Each day when President Madison went to the Constitutional Convention meetings, he stood up and rallied for a democratic government with election of congressmen directly by the people. He wrote the Federalist Papers with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton; documents considered to be the best interpretation of American government, even in present times. He truly embraced his ideals, and this spurred him to speak and write what was in his heart. His conviction to his ideals gave us the great nation we have today. At work, strive to be the best you can be. Work from your heart. If you give already 100 percent, strive to give 110 percent.

Secondly, stay true to yourself and stand by your convictions. After President Madison asked Congress to declare war on Great Britain June 1, 1812, riots began because of the decision. Talk of succession in New England ran rampant. But, President Madison stayed true to his belief in freedom for America. And, despite opposition to the war, he stood his ground. He said, "If we lose, we lose independence." People will perceive you as a leader if you stick to your beliefs and do not go back and forth on your ideals. Even those who do not agree with you will respect you for your steadfast loyalty and convictions.

Lastly, know when to stay and know when to run. Even the best leaders must give up the fight at some point for the sake of their people. On August 24, 1814, President Madison and Congress fled Washington on horseback as the British advanced on the city. While it may have been perceived as cowardly to run, fleeing the city was the only choice President Madison had.

If he had a chosen to stay and ordered Congress to stay, they would have been captured or killed. Merely three days after fleeing, President Madison returned to Washington, rallied the citizens, and connected with the people like he never had before. President Madison rallied Congress and met in a post office, the only building left standing. He began the work of the government from scratch and turned the tide of war. Think carefully about your decisions and of the consequences down the road. Is the fight worth it?

Not all of us will become president, but each in our own way, can be a successful leader. Every day we make decisions that affect our families, the Air Force and its Airmen, and our country. Many of these decisions are simple, and many can be life-altering. If we embrace the lessons of our forefathers, we are sure to become successful Airmen and leaders in our own right.

Comments

4/30/2013 1:38:55 PM ET
I love how people don't get this whole article and then try to criticize it without knowing about the actual war or Madison. This article is about the size of the leader which Madison lacked the buff leader we envision today. Madison correctly led his troops and although no war is perfect did lead the US to it's ultimate goal peace. The War of 1812 ended territories were claimed and everyone moved along. Through a rough trial for the country Madison was able to SUCCESSFULLY lead and army and a nation into a war that went down in history as a W for the United States of America.

Smart Airman, Reality

4/30/2013 11:14:59 AM ET
Leaders are supposed to exemplify our core values and our standards. Somebody may be good at leading people but that does not mean they all look up to him unless he sets a proper example. My guess would be that the only people commenting on waist size are bitter about their own waist. We have an image to uphold and if you are large get out and work for the military as a civilian. We can use all your experience but not when you dont abide by standards. In other words quit complaining and just abide by the standards you agreed to abide by when you signed your contract.

Phil, AETC

4/30/2013 1:57:38 AM ET
I can't respect him as a leader unless he could get 100 on his pt test.

tired Airman, swa

4/29/2013 4:52:25 PM ET
James Madison is a rather odd figure to highlight in an article about leadership. The historical jury is still out on the War of 1812 as militarily it was a draw and the motives behind it are somewhat dubious. If the US had not declared a victory then nobody would have thought the US won. The US was trying to play both sides of a European conflict and ultimately got in over its head. If Madison had not attacked Canada then he would not have had to retreat from Washington. Besides Madison probably did not use powerpoint therefore he would never have made a leader in the current Air Force.

Arnie, Maryland

4/29/2013 10:28:00 AM ET
@lost you guessed correctly leaders are required to uphold ALL standards. A person in a leadership position but lacks leadership qualities is not a leader which is the focus of the piece having or developing those leadership qualities. The majority of the force are compliant with their SHAPE and SIZE why should we feel bad for the outliers.

Im a runner, TX

4/29/2013 12:09:50 AM ET
The subject of this is plain wrong...leadership IS DIRECTLY defined by shape and size. Just ask Col Bush who was just forced out simply because of his size. This was obviously more important than his leadership. I'm just waiting for someone next to comment on the whole...upholding the standards excuse...

LostinScuffle, CONUS

4/27/2013 8:17:41 PM ET
Funny that this would be posted on this site. Physical size and shape seem to be the largest single factor these days in determining your worth to and future in the Air Force.

Rub, Texas

4/26/2013 5:03:15 PM ET
If you stay true to yourself and stand by your convictions in today's AF you will have a very short unpleasant career.

Otis R. Needleman, Reality

4/26/2013 3:41:37 PM ET
Beat me to it DC.

PB, US

4/26/2013 2:46:15 PM ET
DC well said Sir. It is not the IQ or management skills but the waist size that determines your leadership ability in the USAF.

No Labels Just American, USA

4/26/2013 12:45:07 PM ET
Before he ordered the retreat of the Congress before the advancing British Madison strapped on his pistol mounted his horse and headed out to the front lines. He is the only sitting US president to ever go into battle. He was in the saddle for many hours and only left the front when the British marched into the other end of town. His bravery and stamina were a surprise to many. Your article is a terrific look with some excellent lessons from this remarkable man.

Rebecca-Staton Reinstein, US

4/26/2013 11:22:38 AM ET
Leadership is not defined by shapes and sizes unless of course you bust your waist measurement.

DC, MD

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