COVER STORY
Leadership, Balance Lt. Gen. Smith also discussed the positive impact of his leadership on the Army’s junior and senior leaders in his current role. He believes the Army is not an intangible organization, but instead, the Army is at its core, the men and women who proudly wear the uniform. In that construct, Lt. Gen. Smith believes that positively touching the lives of the Army’s future leaders is one of the legacies he will leave behind. “I think my impact on our military is continuing to evolve. My childhood background and humble beginnings fostered an unmatched work ethic, a natural acceptance of increased responsibility, and a willingness to critically examine processes, and challenge them when necessary. Initially my leadership impact stemmed from actively listening to members of the force, without regard to rank, position or title. I began to build relationships and teams, and at some point, a positive culture developed. It was within this culture that I was able to mentor and teach peers and junior Soldiers about life, about a higher purpose, and about community service. Many of my discussions revolved around the challenges they were facing, or how important it was to be a good adult. Young Soldiers, and young people in general, are facing some “pretty big” decisions these days with the stresses of deployments, financial readiness, and new families. I am lucky to have navigated these challenges with my wife and children, and I am honored with every opportunity to provide sound advice to others. As a General Officer, I believe it is my responsibility to inspire the next generation and to help them in the same way that my family and community have helped me. No one does it alone.”
Above: Sgt. 1 st Class Brian Leahy, left, operations supervisor, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4 th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 1 st Infantry Division, responds to then-Maj. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, commanding general, Fort Leonard Wood and Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, during a brief on the unit’s Defense Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Force mission. The 4 th MEB conducted a weeklong training exercise on Fort Leonard Wood in a simulation of a nuclear detonation near Chicago. Smith questioned Leahy, a native of Rockford, Ill., how he would be emotionally impacted during an actual emergency and how that would affect his ability to respond on the DCRF mission if deployed to the Chicago area. (Photo illustration by U.S. Army Sgt. Kelly S. Malone).
over my career, I have been blessed to have the success that I have. But it’s important for everyone to understand, especially our youth, that I have learned as much, if not more, from my failures as I have from my achievements. Success is a two-sided coin. You cannot have success without some failures. The key is to learn from those failures and not let them stop you from achieving your goals and objectives. There is no shame in failure, there is only a lack of honor when you let your failure stop you from great achievement.” Faith and the Profession Lt. Gen. Smith then discussed the significance of faith, family support, mentorship and fraternity. He commented on his motivation, drive to achieve, and endurance through challenges that have enabled him to triumphantly overcome adversity while
sustaining his family and continuing to achieve within the Army.
“I think faith, family support, mentorship, and our fraternity are all important aspects of who I am today and my personal motivation. Above all, my Christian faith guides my life. Often it focuses me and comforts me in challenging times. When I was promoted to Lieutenant General (3- Star), it was a great day for me, my family, my friends and the Army. At all promotion ceremonies, the promotee has the opportunity to speak.” “I chose to highlight a verse from Proverbs because I think it captures the very essence of my personal philosophy to ‘trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.’ In my previous job as the Deputy Inspector General and in my
“I want to make one last point about leadership and honor. As I look back
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