How do you define leadership and how do you view small unit leadership?

2013-12-16T19:08:50-05:00

Hey everybody,<div>I am writing a paper on the purpose of small unit leadership (based of the book by Col. Malone) and comparing different definitions/views of leadership for my Military Science 201 class. </div><div><br></div><div>So, if there are any leaders on here that could help, please share your insight the help me grasp an understanding of what leadership is and what it means to be a leader.</div><div><br></div><div>also, What challenges have you faced developing yourself as a leader? (i'm just curious of answers to this one.)</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for any help. I will use any information to better myself and prepare myself in my path to become an Army Officer.</div>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 9:45 PM

2013-12-16T21:45:55-05:00

surprised there were no responses to this.

anyway. paper is complete. comment on here if you would like to read how a PFC/Cadet analyzed leadership in a short 3 page paper based off "Small Unit Leadership: A Commonsense Approach" and the definitions of leadership

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 17 at 2013 2:00 PM

2013-12-17T14:00:55-05:00

PFC(P)?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 4:05 PM

2013-12-17T16:05:37-05:00

ADP 6-22 defines leadership as the "process of influencing others by providing direction, purpose and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization"

I have found no definition that so clearly outlines the necessary elements of leadership. each of the three things you provide are important for different reasons and are distinct from one another. It infers that knowing your subordinates is important because how are you supposed to motivate someone without knowing what motivates them? it highlights tactical and technical expertise (direction) or knowing "what" to do and communication skills in expressing the purpose of your mission or why you are doing what you are doing. The definition was recently changed to add "improve the organization" because great leaders do not merely maintain the status quo as conservative traditionalists, but innovate and experiment to improve their organizations capabilities.

This is one manual the Army got very right and is one of the best out there on the subject.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 11:29 PM

2013-12-17T23:29:18-05:00

In addition to providing purpose, direction and motivation, ADRP 6-22 also breaks down Army leadership into a leadership requirements model that consists of attributes (what an Army leader is) and competencies (what an Army leader does). Attributes consists of character, presence and intellect while competencies consists of leads, develops and achieves. Each are broken down even further. All you need to know about Army leadership can be found in ADRP 6-22 and a lot of good relevant info also in FI 6-22 as well.
In regards to challenges in developing my leadership i have learned especially doing what I do in WLC is that leadership development is a continuous process. It's never ending. You don't just wake up one day and your a great leader all of the sudden. It takes trial and error. Always push yourself and your subordinates to achieve full spectrum Warrior status. Never fear failure, it's through our mistakes and failures that we do our best learning and grow to become better leaders, and Soldiers. I hope you have a bit of insight from my perspective that will assist you in your work. Good luck!