Everybody you recruit is more or less a loose association with you based on your name alone. Shepard, him/herself is an extremely charismatic leader. After spending awhile with Shepard, there isn't anyone who wouldn't dedicate to their cause. Hell, the people you associate with are essentially considered their top of their field by association. Merely by spending time with Shepard, they are considered a folk hero. But Shepard himself is comparable to McArthur. A great strategist, and overall good leader.
But since he is the player, his style of leadership is the style of the player. Which ultimately is the developer's goal to make the person who is playing them more self'confident and able to take leadership roles in the work force.
I am completely wasted right now. Thank god for auto-correct.