Do you demand respect or command respect?

"A people unused to restraint must be led, they will not be drove" -George Washington, Jan. 3rd, 1777

George Washington was a person that commanded respect, rather than demanding it. This is why in the records of history, he is remembered as the most critical figure in the Revolutionary War. In fighting for the ideal of liberty and freedom, imposing restrictions and threats upon his army would have quickly dispirited his men and lost the war. It was only through commanding respect through 'leading from the front" - showing the example of self-sacrifice and dedication to the cause as the inspiration for those under his leadership.

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia (during IYLA USA 2014, August 16th)

This was displayed to me in a vivid image depicted in the book "1776". At the critical battle for Princeton, New Jersey, on Jan. 1st, 1777 George Washington lead the frontal assault on the enemy. Why would he place himself in such a dire circumstance when he was in a post of such importance? Because he firmly knew that the cause of freedom and liberty was at stake in this decisive battle. In that moment, Washington clearly demonstrated that he valued the cause of America more than any institutional position of authority or artificially construed reputation. If this battle could salvage what little hope was left in the American cause, he would not spare any available resource, including his own life, in determining its victory.

And thanks in large part to Washington's noble leadership that day, victory is what resulted.