Shiho 3: What Makes A Leader
As Shiho prepared to tell of her early time in Black Forest, Shiho decided to return to and focus on to one subject that she had often heard brought up. The Atagos, as well as her own daughter, Miho, did not agree with her ideal of leadership, so she decided to explain why she felt that way.
"To be honest, few really understand what it is like to be in a position of great power and responsibility," Shiho said, "although virtually everyone is willing to offer their opinions on whether those in power are doing a good job. It's like watching someone play a game and criticizing that person's moves without knowing the rules of the game."
"I will grant you that people do not always understand the responsibilities that those in authority have," Masae said, "but if nothing else, the people who complain are the ones who have to live with the consequences, and can hardly be blamed for not liking them. For example, I can't admit everyone to my school for various reasons, although I sympathize with those who are disappointed about being turned away."
"Perhaps," Shiho said, "although there are times when they make erroneous assumptions about the leaders' motives or commitment to bringing about an ideal result. Of course, I recognized that I had to prove myself, but doing so was easier with the achievements I had thus far."
25 years ago
Outside Black Forest's coach's office, Shiho sat, patiently and attentively, for her turn to come, along with the other candidates for the position of commander.
While she believed her accomplishments spoke for themselves, Shiho did not wish to leave anything to chance. While she believed those who relied on their conversational skills to disguise their lack of experience was like putting lipstick on a pig, she also believed that she also had to put in effort to convince those who would choose her as team commander. In spite of her pride in herself and her school, Shiho was willing to acknowledge that there were those out there who were more powerful than her, as well as her mother, and was willing to take the appropriate steps to work with them.
"Nishizumi Shiho," a voice belonging to the coach called out.
"Yes, ma'am?" Shiho said.
The coach came out to greet Shiho, and Shiho introduced herself, bowing deeply. Like a well-coordinated offensive ripping through the enemy forces, Shiho naturally knew what to do next, following the plan she had made so long ago, and doing things according to her experience. Shiho believed that because she had this knowledge, and the others did not, she was the only viable choice.
As the coach asked about the Nishizumi school, Shiho suspected that unless the coach was deliberately testing her or using it as a way of judging her character, she seemed to know relatively little about the school apart from what was common knowledge for those involved in tankery. Her responses to Shiho's question, typically a mere "Good," or "Very well," if she said anything at all before moving on to the next one- revealed little, but Shiho wondered if the coach did not understand the inner workings of the school, or the expectations the Nishizumis had placed on them.
But while Shiho realized that her family name would not do her any favors, she had no desire to benefit from it, either. It was her duty to succeed on everyone else's terms, and win over the skeptics, to fulfill the expectations of the one person whose opinion truly mattered to Shiho- her mother's.
Present Day
"The fine details of the interview- which went similarly to the one I had in middle school- matter little compared to the fact that in the end, I succeeded," Shiho said. "Out of all the people who applied for the position, the coach saw my track record as making up for my lack of seniority in the school. Not everyone shares the Nishizumis' standards, but good results make for compelling evidence in support of our tactics and teaching methods."
"So, Instructor Nishizumi, what kind of people were the other candidates?" Hiroko said, wondering if the competition was perhaps relatively weak compared to most years.
"To be honest, I can only guess," Shiho said. "The coach did not disclose the names of the other candidates, merely announcing the person who was chosen as commander, and privately informing those who were rejected. The only ways I would know who also applied would be their telling me themselves, or my catching word of that information some other way- an overheard conversation, someone inadvertently letting it slip, or so forth."
"So, did you see any of your rivals again?" Hiroko said.
"Yes; I saw all of them them on a daily basis, at least for the next year," Shiho said. "All of them continued with the team, even if it wasn't in the same capacity that they had hoped for. I did, however, recognize one."
25 years ago
During a practice session, Shiho spoke with one of her tank commanders, a third year, and laid out, in painstaking detail, all the minor flaws in her commanding and driving her tank.
Shiho remembered little about the largely one-sided conversation. The other commander remained silent for most of a lecture, save for a "Yes, ma'am," to signify that she was paying attention, and answering Shiho's questions when she was asked. There were flaws in her technique, but she was disciplined. Wherever she had come from had taught her to respect her superiors, and to only speak to her commander when spoken to.
Shiho recognized the commander's face, and knew where and when she had seen it before. When she had gone in for an interview, the other girl, having finished her own interview, had walked out of the office, given Shiho a somewhat dismissive look, and walked away without a second glance.
It was clear to Shiho that if she were not commander, the other girl would likely be telling her off for having the temerity to lecture her senpai. Even now, the girl's expression of respectful stoicism seemed forced somehow, as if she was trying to say something, but could not express it in an appropriate manner for her superior.
Shiho was well aware that many people treated her differently because she was commander. Perhaps not all of them only followed her because of her position, but the only indications that people acted differently were small ones, that they gave accidentally, so Shiho tended to assume that most people's behavior was, at least in some part, colored by her position.
Shiho concluded her lecture, asked if the girl had any further questions, and got a "No, ma'am" in the process. She thought about asking her about her true feelings on her as a leader, but thought better of it.
Part of the reason was the girl's answer would likely be colored the same way her interactions with Shiho had been, and Shiho would not be able to trust it. In spite of the fact that Shiho had little use for sycophants, she realized that many people were not interested in sharing their honest opinions with her, whether out of desire for her favor, or fear of reprisals.
Another part was Shiho's belief that the girl did not understand what was required to be in charge, or the tribulations Shiho had been through to get to where she was.
The last part was that to Shiho, only the results mattered. The girl had to do her job to Shiho's expectations, or be replaced by someone who would.
"Of course, the same goes for me," Shiho thought. "I practice what I preach, so to speak, and hope that by adopting some of my methods, you will share in some of my success."
Present day
"There were murmurs of discontent," Shiho said, "but for the most part, people did what they were told, even if they didn't like my being in command, or did not believe that it was important to uphold the honor of the Nishizumi School."
"Of course they don't understand a principle so abstract, especially when you're so insanely devoted to it," Hiroe said. "I personally find it's too hard of a sell to get people, apart from Mom's students, to do things for the sake of the Atago School at Pravda."
Masae nodded in agreement. She did, at times, wonder if she should rein Hiroe in, but concluded that Hiroe's blunt and straightforward statements were effective ways of getting straight to the point, and were the same kind of honest communication Shiho had asked for. If Shiho rationalized her decisions, Hiroe would point out how they looked to most people. If Shiho said the ends justified the means, Hiroe would remind her of the consequences those means had.
"I agree that it's presumptuous to assume that the rest of your tankery team will support your cause, Hiroe," Maho said, "and the same goes not only for my family's school, but also for my personal goals. But while Teru doesn't particularly care about- or for- the Nishizumi School's doctrine, she's still one of my most reliable subordinates."
"What Maho said is true," Shiho said, "which is why I expect obedience, rather than agreement, from those under my command. Whatever they are seeking through tankery, they can get it by winning, and it is their obligation to do everything to further our efforts toward that end."
"I suppose I can't argue with the idea of collective responsibility for the team, Instructor Nishizumi, or that it is beneficial for one's goals," Masae said. "The only question is what your definition of the former is and how far you would go to achieve the latter."
"Indeed," Shiho said. "As commander, it was my responsibility to do everything I could, and set a good example for my subordinates. Those who weren't judging me were looking to me for guidance."
"But do you necessarily provide that guidance, Instructor Nishizumi?" Kinue said. "I was under the belief that Black Forest had high expectations of those who came there, and weren't willing to hold their hands, so to speak. It makes me wonder how much those people actually learn."
Kinue left one part of her question unspoken- how much Shiho herself had learned. She recalled that Shiho had not mentioned any mentors or sources of inspiration apart from her mother, while Kinue's own mother had spoken of how Toshi had taught her a great deal about about being a tanker and a teacher. If Shiho did not have the ability to draw on other influences and challenge herself, what future did the Nishizumi school have?
"We do have high expectations, but we also recognize they have room for improvement," Shiho said, "and also believe that everyone must constantly improve to keep the team strong. And while I did not deviate from my family's style, I still had to improve my basic skills, so that I could continue to achieve the victories that were expected of me and silence the naysayers who thought I could not do so."
25 years ago
Shiho sat alone in the Black Forest commander's office, and looked over the plans for the team's training. The training schedule was grueling by most standards, having several hours of practice a week, but most knew better than to complain. They knew what they were getting into when they signed up, and realized that any complaining would likely be construed as an admission of not being able to live up to the team's standards.
Shiho did not think, even for a moment, that it meant that no one wanted to complain. She believed that for the most part, it was people keeping their complaints to themselves; she respected that much, although she respected those who were able to go along with her plans. Others preferred more private correspondence with Shiho, so they could air their concerns without worrying about their peers' reactions.
Shiho glanced at a memo sent to her by one of her commanders, a third-year. Shiho had to wonder if the writer was yet another would-be commander of the team, and wryly noted to herself that the letter read like she was already commander.
Shiho performed a mental analysis of the note, removing all of what were, in her mind, extraneous parts. After taking out the salutation and signature, the various conversational and transitional parts, the disclaimers that it was not to be construed as an assault on Shiho's authority, and the largely theoretical analysis of the team's performance, Shiho concluded that the note boiled down to one simple question- was the Nishizumi style the best for Black Forest, or might the other girl have a better idea? The writer seemed to lean toward the latter.
Black Forest had largely been a haven for the Nishizumi School's disciples, but its coaches and commanders were not always members of the school. Shiho tended to correlate the years when that was the case with the school's infrequent failures to win the championship. Perhaps the girl would understand when she saw Shiho lead her to victory, but for now, Shiho had to respond with words, rather than results.
Shiho set aside a few minutes to write up a response in kind. The student's "concerns" were "duly noted," and Shiho was in the process of making "all necessary efforts to achieve optimal results for the team." She thus offered to give any further input "all the consideration it deserves."
As Shiho passed the note to the student's mailbox, she began boiling down her note, just like she had the student's, and realized that her note essentially said, "Yes, the Nishizumi Style is the best way to run the team, and unless you have anything comparable to it, keep your concerns to yourself." But she stood by her response, and hoped that the recipient would understand it.
Evidently, the recipient understood it. Shiho did not receive any more feedback from that student.
Present day
"The few times people spoke out, they tended to dither, or beat around the bush," Shiho said, "essentially being afraid of how I would take it or trying to sugarcoat it to hide the fact that they were challenging my authority." Shiho turned to Masae and Hiroe. "As much as I disagree with you and your elder daughter, Instructor Atago, I do respect your willingness to be open with your disagreements."
Miho pondered what her mother had said. Perhaps Shiho knew, all this time, how Miho felt about the Nishizumi style, and perhaps Miho could say what she meant without fear of reprisal, even if it was difficult to openly express disagreement with someone as imposing as her mother.
"Thank you, Instructor Nishizumi," Masae said.
Hiroe nodded slightly. The one part she respected about Shiho was her honesty, but she had to wonder how much Shiho truly cared for honest communication. Few seemed willing to openly challenge Shiho, and Maho seemed more guarded and reserved about her feelings this evening than she did when talking with Hiroe, albeit not as much so as Hiroe remembered. By contrast, some of Hiroe's closest friends- including her cousin Hiroko- were the ones who were the least afraid of offending her.
"As much as I appreciate and respect your honesty, I do have a name, Instructor Nishizumi," Hiroe said, taking a more polite but firm tone with Shiho. "Since I'm probably nothing more than your long-time rival's daughter, and you're not my friend, you can call me Assistant Instructor Atago, like Mom's students, assistants and colleagues do."
Shiho nodded, while Maho and Miho looked on, surprised at Hiroe's tone. It was significantly more formal and stern than the more casual tones she took with most people, or even when she was angry with someone.
"Are you surprised?" Hiroe said. "I've had to do this a few times with some students who presumed too much familiarity with me, as has Mom. I can kind of understand Instructor Nishizumi's having to assert her authority, even if she's doing it the wrong way."
"That may be so, Assistant Instructor Atago," Shiho said, "but in the end, my results mattered most of all."
Hiroe and Masae nodded in agreement.
"Doing my utmost as head of the team not only helped my team, but also helped my standing within them," Shiho said. "If I continued winning, my subordinates would not be able to question whether it was a good idea to appoint me. And if I was strong, confident and ruthless, they would not doubt my resolve. A strong leader thus makes a strong team."
"So, am I mistaken, or can the girls at Black Forest usurp their commander's position if they think she isn't strong enough?" Hiroe said.
"I wouldn't go that far, Hiroe," Masae said, "but Instructor Nishizumi is saying that leaders who aren't confident and decisive will lose the confidence of their subordinates, thereby resulting in a team that has everything necessary to win, but isn't able to play well enough to do so."
Hiroe nodded, reminded of how she had to present a good image for herself in her first year at Pravda.
"Exactly," Shiho said. "Because Maho was not initially decisive enough, some of her troops charged ahead. By punishing those responsible, she was able to reassert her authority."
Maho frowned, not completely agreeing with Shiho's assessment of the situation, but not wanting to get sidetracked.
"I once had a similar situation, just before my match with Saunders," Miho said. "Some of my teammates wanted to go on the attack, but I wanted to be more cautious. With Hisa-senpai's encouragement, I convinced them that my way was best- I don't as often think of my role as leader as asserting my authority, but inspiring those under my command and convincing people to go along with what I do."
"That's an interesting principle, Miho," Masae said. "I will eventually get to the point where I tell you about it, but I believe Instructor Nishizumi would like to tell us more about how she leads."
"Yes," Shiho said. "I knew back then that people were whispering behind my back, suggesting it was a mistake for a first-year who was a so-called 'rookie' to become commander. I therefore insisted on being treated with respect according to my position- my subordinates were to address me as 'Commander' or 'ma'am' and follow my orders. I was also entirely business with them, and had no desire to fraternize with them. This was both to ensure that they took my position seriously, and that they realized that I was acting based on my position and not as an individual."
"I see," Masae said. "But I have noticed, Instructor Nishizumi, does anyone from Black Forest know the you that exists apart from your personas for all those roles?"
A moment of silence followed.
"…perhaps not," Shiho said, unusually somber in her reply, before resuming the cold and dispassionate tone she used when justifying her decisions. "But, at the same time, even though my decisions are often necessitated by my circumstances, in the end, I believe in them and do not regret them."
Maho solemnly nodded.
"Teru once told me something similar, Mother," Maho said. "She said that even when you don't have many choices, the decision you ultimately make does matter, and does, in fact, say something about your character."
"Indeed, Maho," Shiho said. "Everything I have done has been for the sake of my family and our school. When I had few choices, I always chose the one I believed that was best for that goal. When a decision was forced on me, I did so knowing that it was for the sake of my school. That's all."
Hiroe simply nodded. While she found many of Shiho's decisions unconscionable, she had to respect her confidence and willingness to stand by them, especially when her determination was tested in tankery battles.
So it seemed to logically follow that the next part of Shiho's story would be her saying how she had been able to defeat her enemies, and her belief that her superior experience and skill made all the difference.
Author's Notes
By now, you may have noticed that there's less dialogue in Shiho's POV segments. This is intentional; Shiho doesn't have any real friends at Black Forest, mainly only people she interacts with as part of the job, and she seldom talks with people about her decisions until after she's made them. As such, hardly anyone questions or challenges her ideology, so she thus has no reason to question or doubt it herself.
Regarding Shiho's sources of influence, I found one interesting entry for Fridge Brilliance on TV Tropes' Girls und Panzer Page; Miho draws inspiiration from each of her opponents to form her own way of tankery. Here, Anchovy and Kay are somewhat similar to their canon lessons (the team sharing victory and defeat, and some things being more important than victory, respectively), but Miho also has other lessons. Kei from BC Freedom teaches Miho how to persist against stronger opponents, both by attacking Miho with greater numbers, and her determination to defeat stronger schools. Mihoko from St. Gloriana reinforces Miho's belief in the value of her subordinates, and the belief that commanders should be there for their subordinates, not the other way around. By contrast, someone like Shiho may be too focused on the ideological purity of her school to draw from other sources, to her school's detiment.
The next chapter, which contains a tank battle, might be delayed somewhat while I work out some details.