2-57. Command presence is the influence commanders have on those around them through their personal demeanor, appearance, and conduct. It requires contact with others, both physically and through voice command and control systems. Commanders use their presence to gather and share information and assess operations through personal interaction with subordinates. Establishing command presence makes the commander’s knowledge and experience available to subordinates and provides encouragement. It allows commanders to assess intangibles like morale, and provide direct feedback on subordinate performance. Commanders employing the mission command approach ask questions without second-guessing their subordinate’s performance unless absolutely necessary. Skilled commanders communicate tactical and technical knowledge that goes beyond plans and procedures. Command presence establishes a background for all plans and procedures so that subordinates can understand how and when to adapt them to achieve the commander’s intent. Commanders can establish command presence in a variety of ways, including—