Now, considering SEED was pretty much a military, let's look at it in terms of that. In the beginning of the game, he was a trainee, and did what he was ordered to do in training, and did it amazingly, such as a great fighter and knowing battle tactics.

Then when he became SEED, he was the group leader, more or less and NCO, because Cid told him what needed to be done, and as any good NCO, he did it without question, even if he disagreed with it, because he wasn't the officer in charge, just the person who carried out the orders.

As he proved his skills as a fighter and knowlegeable person and people looked up to him because he did exactly what he was supposed to, no questions asked, he cared about his people, and did what he thought was best in the situations. Not only that, he gave power to people in situations when it was necessary, because to be a good leader, you have to give away power to the people who know what they're doing in a situation. THEN, when he became leader of the SEED at Balamb, he gave general orders, then allowed the people below him to carry out these orders, and do what every necessary to fulfill these. HE was a good leader, because he was a good follower, and he didn't abuse his power. IN fact, he hated being in charge. And the best leaders, are the ones that don't want it, but know what they're doing when they have it. Whether you like it or not, Squall was really the perfect leader and follower, and therefore easily gained more respect to be an even better leader. Never abused his power, and did what he was told, no matter what.

THE JACKEL