"The leader of men in warfare can show himself to his followers only through a mask, a mask that he must make for himself, but a mask made in such form as will mark him to men of his time and place as the leader they want and need"

This quote by the military historian John Keegan highlights the intricate function of a leader in warfare, stressing the need of adopting a personality-- a "mask"-- that resonates with and influences his fans. The imagery of a "mask" recommends an element of artifice or intentional construction, suggesting that a leader needs to knowingly craft an image or identity that aligns with the expectations and desires of those he leads.

The metaphor of the mask indicates that leadership, especially in the context of warfare, is not entirely about innate qualities or individual abilities but also about perception and discussion. To put it simply, a leader should embody particular characteristics or values that are considered vital or preferable by the fans and the wider cultural or historic context in which they operate. This mask is not deceptive in an unfavorable sense but is a necessary tool for rallying and assisting people effectively. It acts as a symbolic representation of the perfects and aspirations that a leader seeks to impart in his followers.

Furthermore, the recommendation to "guys of his time and place" highlights the value of contextual awareness. A leader in warfare must be attuned to the cultural, social, and temporal subtleties of his environment to develop a personality that is reputable and compelling. The expectations of what constitutes efficient leadership can differ substantially throughout various eras and societies. For that reason, a leader should adjust his mask to fit these dominating norms and mindsets.

In essence, Keegan highlights the performative aspect of management in warfare. An effective leader is somebody who can properly assess the requirements and desires of his fans and after that craft a personality that embodies those aspects, thus unifying and motivating them towards a common goal. This vibrant interaction in between look and reality, individuality and public personality, remains a timeless aspect of reliable leadership.