An armed force can place a strong practical leader below a senior officer who is mainly a competent manager. The junior may set the unit's tone, inspire personnel, and lead upward while the formal chain of command still runs through the senior. Whether this arrangement helps or harms the unit depends on whether the senior accurately recognizes the junior's ability. A capable manager can harness that leadership without pretending that rank alone produces it.
Notable Point · 26:20-27:33
Leading upward when formal rank and practical leadership diverge
Formal rank and actual leadership can diverge, requiring a senior manager to recognize when a junior is setting the unit's tone and leading upward.