Leadership Spotlight on Leon L. Rogers II

Leon RogersMasterful You reflects a person who is living their values and operating out of a strong sense of personal accountability and integrity. Leadership comes in many forms but regardless of the type, there is a presence about a good leader that resonates with others and commands respect. Presence is the outward expression of personal integrity and alignment of who you are at your core. Today, we shine the spotlight on Battalion Commander Leon Rogers who serves in the U.S. Army’s 408th CSB, Regional Contracting Center in Qatar.  The military is known for grooming leaders, but this is what Leon had to say about leadership from his own experience and values:

  1. What defines leadership for you? For me, leadership is defined by four elements: people, character, endeavor, and communication.

People:                  take care of your people and build alliances.

Character:             be impeccable with your word and never act out of vengeance                                  or spite.

Endeavor:              be decisive and results-oriented.

Communication:   Influence through conversation have a vision and continually                                     reaffirm it.

  1. How would you describe your leadership style?   Charismatic. (Authors note: Charismatic leaders are associated with high levels of satisfaction among followers.)
  2. What makes you unique as a leader? Being myself. As a leader, it is important to be genuine about who you are. You don’t need to model yourself after someone else. You won’t be able to keep the facade up very long and people normally show you who they are, so I just try to be myself.
  3. Who was your role model as a leader? My Dad. He is the greatest man I’ve ever known and a genius in his own right!
  4. Can you share a quote or scripture that inspires you? Yes, I have three:

It takes courage to be exceptional!

You cannot talk yourself out of a problem that you behaved yourself into. Your behavior must change!

Some people have enough gifts and talents to get into a room but not enough character to stay.

  1. What has been your biggest leadership challenge to date? Balance. Most people think leadership is only conveyed in the work environment. However, you also need balance in your personal life (family). Being in the military, the family often suffers so it is important that when you are home to be home and to be a leader in your own household. If you have kids, especially boys, it is even more important because they are patterning their style and behavior after you. I take pride in leading within my organization, but especially in being a leader in my household.
  2. What achievement are you most proud of to date? I am proud of the achievements that people whom I mentor accomplish. Helping people achieve their goals is more important than my own. If I can play a small role in that …well that’s great!
  3. What advice would you give aspiring leaders in the 21st Century? Live a brave life! You may disappoint some people and that’s ok. Those are the people who have their own agendas, but the ones that are cheering you on won’t be disappointed. So again, live your brave life.

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Valeria Edmonds, Life and Leadership Coach

Masterful You


If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email me at akavaleria@masterfulyou.org.