[Attack on Titan] Jean’s Growth is Too Hot to Handle! A Leadership Theory for Those Who Want to Be Kind

Hello, this is Osamu!

There are many heroes in Attack on Titan, but who is the character I feel closest to and who moves my heart the most? It’s not Eren, nor is it Captain Levi. It is Jean Kirstein.

In the beginning of the story, he was by no means a "perfect soldier." Rather, he was a realistic young man, just like us, who prioritized his own safety and a comfortable life. Why did such a man choose the hellish path of the Survey Corps and awaken as a leader? Today, I want to talk about the "strength of those who know weakness," learned from Jean's growth.

1. Was he a jerk at first? The conflict with Eren

When he first appeared (Episode 3), Jean was portrayed as a very realistic, somewhat cynical character. On the night of the graduation ceremony for the Training Corps, he made no secret of his true intention to go to the "Interior" (a safe place) and clashed with Eren, who spoke of ideals.

His behavior was very human: he offered Eren a drink and picked a fight asking if "training was over," and he fell in love with Mikasa at first sight and felt jealous of Eren. Eren dismissed him, saying, "Those who do childish things have no future," and Jean himself felt a sense of defeat deep down against Eren's intense will.

At this point, Jean was just a young man who could only see his own desires.

2. "Leadership Qualities" found in the hell of Trost District

Jean's destiny changed drastically during the Battle of Trost District in the year 850. In an extreme situation where Titans were flooding in, Jean was forced to take command as a squad leader for the trainees. As he watched his comrades being eaten one after another, he desperately tried to assess the situation, even though he was almost paralyzed with fear.

What is important here is that he knows "fear." He is not reckless like Eren, nor is he invincible like Mikasa. That is why he hesitates and trembles when witnessing the death of his comrades. However, with the help of Sasha and Mikasa, he managed to continue commanding and avoided total annihilation.

3. Marco's words and the resolve to join the Survey Corps

Then came the decisive turning point. While cleaning up the bodies after the battle, Jean discovered the gruesome corpse of Marco, a friend he was particularly close to among his peers.

At that moment, the words Marco had said to him while he was alive came back to Jean's mind.

"Those who know weakness can become good leaders." 

Marco had realized it. Jean is not a strong person. But because of that, he can painfully understand the feelings of weak people, and he can correctly recognize the current situation to judge "what needs to be done now."

These words pushed Jean forward. He clenched his trembling fist and declared to his comrades, "I'm going to the Survey Corps too". Not out of anger to "exterminate Titans" like Eren, but out of a sense of duty and kindness—"Someone has to do it," "I want to honor my fallen comrades"—he chose the thorny path.

4. Because he is ordinary, he can become the strongest leader

Later, in Episode 13, as they headed out for the expedition beyond the walls, Jean was depicted encouraging his comrades, even while honestly confessing his inferiority complex to Eren, saying, "I am different from you".

The charm of Jean Kirstein. It is the strength to admit "I am weak and not special," yet still refuse to run away and keep moving forward.

If you ever feel crushed by pressure or responsibility at work, please remember Jean. You don't have to be perfect. Because you know your own weaknesses—knowing that you are "scared" or "want to run away"—you can understand the feelings of your colleagues who are trembling just like you. That makes you capable of becoming a leader who can make the kindest decisions.

Jean's growth is the greatest anthem for us "ordinary people."