A recurring idea in the book is leadership. Che was a man that other men followed. One of the reasons for this is that people trusted and respected him. Not only was he intelligent, people always knew where they stood with him. A strict disciplinarian, he made it clear what the rules were and what he expected of people and what the penalties were for disobedience. Che was right beside the men fighting with them and never asked them to do anything he wouldn't do himself. For this, they respected him.