Successful people surround themselves with wise counsel. Good CPOs provide wise counsel to JOs in a host of issues. The statement, "CPOs train JOs," is likely meant to hammer home the importance of working with and weighing heavily the advice of the CPO. Do CPOs train JOs? Absolutely. Should it be viewed with disdain? No more than sitting through the all hands training provided by a 2nd Class command CFL who is the expert on the changes to the PFA program. CPOs have a lot of valuable knowledge to share with the JO that can assist in his success in whatever position he holds. In the end, we know that the JO sets policy and we, as CPOs, carry it out, regardless of our personal opinions.
On another note, leadership is not isolated to the Ward Room. The Ward Room sets policy while the CPO Mess manages the enforcement of that policy. Leadership is found on both sides of this coin. As John Maxwell conveys in his books, a leader is one whom people follow regardless of their position of authority; rather, it is about influence. The fact that CPOs carry out the orders of Officers does not make officers leaders. I know personnel from E1-O6 that are leaders and others who are anything but.
Here are but a few quotes from Maxwell as seen on Inc.com:
"A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position." John C. Maxwell
"Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another." John C. Maxwell
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." John C. Maxwell
"Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them." John C. Maxwell
"Real leadership is being the person others will gladly and confidently follow." John C. Maxwell
https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/4...that-will-take-you-to-leadership-success.html