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{Sorry about the tone here, Jemanji, but once again it's something I care about.]
Human beings acting in groups display types of behavior that have been studied and certain characteristics identified. The ability to get along and co-operate in inherently stressful situations is one type of behavior that has received much study. The things we learn from these studies are applicable, in large measure, to any group of humans in similar situations.
If I had played professional baseball I might have more credibility with you. Likewise if I were a lit student in North Carolina. I am neither. My point of reference is in dealing with group behavior of highly-talented, highly-stressed individuals who are doing something they believe or know is important. Mine is with sailors, for the most part: nuclear trained and/or submarine-qualified sailors. If that experience has no credibility with you, I am sorry -- for you. Because I am proud of what I've done with my life.
The SEALS and Delta Force are not the only elite units in the Armed Forces. To qualify to be an enlisted Nuclear operator you must demonstrate by examination and performance the intellectual ability to succeed at any Ivy League college, and then the discipline to perform within the highly-structured military system. They are an elite - not elite killers, but elite technicians. But they perform in a rigid, highly-stressed environment that doesn't tolerate error well. In that, there is MUCH in common with professional athletes. They must continually exercise and keep fit, only in this case it is their minds, rather than their bodies, and they must continually prove their capabilities by examination and drill, with the drills being as realistic as possible.
I've been in three major shipboard fires. The constant drill and dedication of my shipmates is shown by me being here to say this. So what makes the sailor and the MLB(tm) ballplayer similar? They HAVE to perform. Not many people, EVER, HAVE to.
As to the relationship of CPOs to their subordinates - well, I can say its obvious you have never been one or known one, or you wouldn't say something like that. CPOs are EXACTLY like Ibanez to his young teammates in their leadership role. Now I am NOT talking about administrative duties; I am talking about teaching a kid how to be a man and a sailor that others can depend on WITH THEIR LIVES. The players that follow Raul's example and advice are doing the same thing, learning to be a man and a ballplayer their teammates can count on.
If you don't believe me, then don't. I really don't need your agreement or affirmation. But get your head out of wherever it is at and look around. Life is a series of tests. We don't all get the same ones. But there are similarities in what we go through that enable us to learn from others without going through their trials ourselves. I use my experience to evaluate what I see. I think leadership makes a BIG difference and clubhouse chemistry is real. If you don't, fine, but remind me never to depend on you, because you obviously don't understand the process of learning OR achieving.