Is Leader Development a Lost Art or just Misunderstood?

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 10:02:03 -0400

Leader development is the deliberate, continuous, and progressive process-founded in Army Values-that grows Soldiers and Army civilians into competent, committed, professional leaders of character. Leader development is achieved through the career-long synthesis of training, education, and experiences acquired through institutional, operational, and self-development domains, supported by peer and developmental relationships.

What's your role in Leader Development?

Are you taking your duties and responsibilities seriously?

Are you willing to invest time in self-development to be a more effective leader?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 10:06 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 10:06:27 -0400

I believe it can be perceived as both. It needs to be fostered, time allocated and deliberate. With financial shortfalls and "less people doing more", it has perhaps become less of a priority to so many other details.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 12 at 2015 10:16 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 10:16:59 -0400

No doubt it is a dying art

Response by TSgt David L. made Oct 12 at 2015 10:18 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 10:18:35 -0400

Lead by example. If nobody is leading, or at least setting the example, there isn't anyone to pattern your leadership style after. A good leader mentors the troops and ideally is grooming a few of them to replace them.
That is what is supposed to happen. Leaders that hide in the shadow of their rating official and are afraid to step out rarely will rarely be the example of what a true leader should be. This is just Dave's opinion of course.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 12 at 2015 11:23 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:23:16 -0400

There are some that don't understand the difference between management and leadership. Whether in private industry or the military, leaders lead people and manage things. For the most part managers remain managers and leaders excel.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 12 at 2015 5:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 17:24:47 -0400

I created a culture and expressed my expectations. We became a self regulating organization, and there was buy in. I was not a tyrant so I sought opinions, and found out that we don't stress having fun enough.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 8:08 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:08:31 -0400

SGM Matthew Quick ,
Related to leader development - we clearly understand the PSG has a role in developing the Platoon's NCOs and his Platoon Leader. What role do you think Junior Officers have, if any, in developing junior NCOs? Does the PL impart any lessons on his PSG on helping him become a 1SG?

The approach my PSG and I have taken on our leaders is that he develops them technically and in some ways tactically - where my primary way to develop them is by challenging them with training events (such as planning an M4 range) , situational training exercises, and quarterly senior rater counselings.

What are your thoughts on PL - PSG developmental relationship, and the role a PL has in developing NCOs in the Platoon? Do you think our approach is unbalanced?

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Oct 13 at 2015 9:32 AM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 09:32:50 -0400

I think leader development is misunderstood and therefore somewhat lost. This happens to be my area of study (organizational leadership) and a source of frustration. As most realize there is not one way to lead in all situations - one size does not fit all. It depends on three things - the leader, the followers, and the situation/environment. Changing one of those three may cause the leadership approach to change. Then there is the variety of leadership approaches which may be defined by many things - personal characteristics, attributes, styles, personality factors, and on and on. In fact, the all-encompassing text on the subject - the "Bass Handbook of Leadership" - is 1516 pages and weighs 5.2 pounds.

My point isr current leaders (those who have followers) need to figure out what leadership means and to take the responsibility (and it is a responsibility) to mentor subordinates and others. Keep in mind that you may not have the best leadership approach so be sure to take a broad approach in your coaching. Just my humble opinion.