While Patton was ambitious, egotistical, self centered and loved attention, he also had a reputation as a leader who cared deeply about those he led. In turn, his troops loved and performed spectacularly for him.
In his Letter of Instruction Number 1, Patton shared important guidelines for leaders in his Third Army. While written for military officers in a wartime environment, Patton's advice is just as relevant for leaders in summer camp settings as it was in those difficult days on the battlefields of Europe.
1. Remember that praise is more valuable than blame.
2. Use every means before and after combat to tell troops what they are going to do and what they have done.
3. Discipline is based on pride in the profession of arms, on meticulous attention to detail, and on mutual respect and confidence.
4. Officers must assert themselves by example and voice.
5. General officers must be seen in the front line during action.
6. There is a tendency for the chain of command to overload junior officers by excessive requirements in the way of training and reports.
