I'll explain the 'leadership' aspect later.
Often in a match, a specific threat materializes such as a tank, helicopter, manning of a heavy MG, Recon cooking marshmellows, what-have-you. The squad captain (or indeed, ANYONE) calls out the threat, ordering it to be taken care of. Often in the middle of battle it is difficult to know exactly where people are situated and who is in a position to deal with it. When things are specific (Bob - take out the Blackhawk), it's not a problem. But when it is a general order for someone to handle, sometimes there is NO communication around it. It may be 2 seconds, or several minutes, before someone gets on it (or not at all).
Is 1 person dealing with it? Or 4? Or no one? Is it done?
What we need are some simple basic protocols here and some 'can do' attitudes from within the squads.
When these 'tasks' come up, if/when someone jumps in to take it on, say so. A simple "I'm on it." can suffice, especially if the comms are busy. I think for clarity it is better to be a little more specific, such as "I've got the Tank", "Coming in with Ammo", "Bob after Heli", etc. (Especially with all the new members/trialists it is hard to know everyone's voices - I often find myself asking "Who said that?")
The same goes for completion: "2nd Floor Clear", "Manning MG", or (everybody's favorite) "Blackhawk down".
Or failure: "I'm down", "Tank got through", "Out of Tracers", etc.
Or numbers: If your job is manning a Tank, and you are being backed up or are going to back up the tank with some Engineers then it is important to know how many people are doing that.
- "The Abrams just spawned in our base."
- "Somebody grab it and bring it up the Left Flank. We need to hammer those buildings that they're covering the road from."
- "I'm on it."
- "Great. Who said that?"
- "Fffssto - "
- "SHIT!! SECOND FLOOR SECOND FLOOR - sorry, what was that?"
- "Bob. Taking Tank now."
- "Going Engi to back him up. Oh, uh, Bill."
- "Right on, Bill. Go you guys, go."
You get the idea...
We need fast, clear, reports of things, who's on it and how many, if/when it is done (or not), and right away. For those of you familiar with my concept of Initiative, these things can help up to 'win the Initiative' again and again.
About 'Leadership':
Now I know sometimes when one of these 'general orders' comes down that circumstances on the field may make you 'resistant' to taking it on. Sometimes, obviously, you shouldn't. You are already engaged on the front line, covering the M-Comm, or what have you.
But sometimes you are just sitting there waiting for that enemy you just spotted who ran around the corner of the building to come out the other side, and sure there are several other guys nearby covering the house, but you could really use the points....
Besides, someone else will take care of it, won't they?....
I think you all know where I am going with this. I think this is sometimes why several minutes go by before we realize that NO ONE is handling a particular problem.
If you can take on the just-issued task, do it.
It shows initiative. It shows teamwork. It shows that you are thinking about more than just yourself. Sure, although you are technically 'following orders', what it really shows is - LEADERSHIP.
It's really all about getting the job done, and that's what Leaders do - get the job done.