Exactly! Poor treatment of subordinates is evidence of a character flaw. Leadership requires rolling up your shirtsleeves. You have to earn respect. The first step is to demonstrate you are willing and able to get in there shoulder to shoulder and do ANYTHING they are expected to do and in such a way that makes it clear what your standards are. You can not allow “private moments” to be fertile ground for griping against you but instead turn those moments to appreciation of your concern for them. Their loyalty is the reward you hope to gain. You can demand and deserve respect for your rank. Your service to them through your NCOs will get them to go the extra mile when you need them. THAT is what leadership demands.
I could never understand how any officer could fail to understand such basic requirements. But then I guess there is truth in the phrase, never trust an officer above the rank of Major. Great wisdom in the book Catch 22.
But really I just mentioned that episode to recall how that Four Star was treated by his staff. When he entered the room, of course, we stood. Before he could finish taking his seat there was a silver tray with coffee, cream, and sugar at his elbow and a poured cup the way he liked it. I mean it was like magic. I had to wonder, is this guy such an egomaniac he demands this kind of service or does his staff love him so much they do this out of loyalty. I realized the way I was raised I would be ashamed to be seen having others fawn over me like that no matter what the reason I would have put a stop to it.