What is the Critical Path of Leadership?

2015-10-05T18:50:46-04:00

The Critical Path of Leader Development

The CRITICAL PATH theory of leader development indicates that effectiveness emerges with five steps:

1) Standards
2) Trust
3) Candor
4) Purpose
5) Communication

This post builds upon our previous exploration in http://www.prodev2go.wordpress.com, of these steps individually, and presents their sum as an overall guide to leadership.

Unlike a typical PERT diagram, traveling along the critical path of leadership is not a linear process that, if followed, leads to perfection. It is a problem-solving model that leaders can use repeatedly and holistically. Additionally, each step is not a rigid requirement. A proficiency goal of 80% or higher in each step will allow you to deal effectively with most challenges: Standards- A leader must understand the expectations of his or her organization. Then, live, set, and enforce them.

Trust- Simply put, it is the foundation that distinguishes leading from managing.

Candor - Being straightforward with oneself and others ensures a common level of situational understanding and allows the growth of trust within the organization. Purpose- Leaders that provide clear intent and reasoning to their units enable mission command and mission accomplishment.

Communication- The frank and effective exchange of information between leaders, subordinates, peers, and superiors is a critical element in both day-to-day operations and responses to crisis. The five steps of the critical path of leadership are not easy to master.

However, when you, or your organization, face significant challenges, it provides a solid foundation to walk upon. It is along the critical path, of Standards, Trust, Candor, Purpose, and Communication, that problems are solved or created.

Follow us at http://www.prodev2go.wordpress.com

For More on the Critical Path Watch the PODCAST at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtf7aqASxhQ

Image by : http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/11/u-s-needs-significant-military-presence-in-Afghanistan/

READY FIRST Podcast 6.1

In this episode, Ready 6 brings us an in-depth look at the Critical Path of Leadership. READY FIRST!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Oct 5 at 2015 6:56 PM

2015-10-05T18:56:37-04:00

COL Private RallyPoint Member I whole heartily agree! I basically lived the 7 Army Values to coincide with the 5 steps as previously mentioned with leadership!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 7:46 PM

2015-10-05T19:46:21-04:00

Sir, unfortunately it does not always match up with those who get promoted. That sends a mixed signal to the rest of the Army as to what they need to do to get promoted or avoid. It is harsh but reality.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Oct 5 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-10-05T20:14:55-04:00

COL Private RallyPoint Member, just watched this podcast and really enjoyed it. Can't say enough about how important purpose is. When things get hard for the team, it's sometimes the only thing there keeping everyone on track and together. How do you personally ensure your Soldiers get this message often enough?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 2:14 PM

2015-10-06T14:14:18-04:00

Great information, sir! Thank you for sharing!

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Oct 6 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-10-06T20:31:49-04:00

It’s interesting for me to see how times have changed. I just hit my 37th year in service and can remember when “why” was never emphasized – you just did what you were told. Since then, Soldiers entering the service are smarter and simply different than those in the 70’s and 80’s. Now when you explain the “why” I’ve seen Soldiers actually improve the overall objective by making suggestions because they thought of something the planner(s) didn’t. Obviously, there’s a time and a place for allowing explanation of a plan – the middle of a firefight isn’t usually within those parameters.

On a side note, I am also a strong believer in visualization practice – as a leader I have used this technique for certain kinds of missions and have encouraged my junior leaders to do the same. This is more on the execution portion of an OPORD and not so much a part of the five steps. Regardless, I’ve found it adds more to the SOPs and contingency plans and provides a little more “insight” than discussion, maps, photos and sand tables. If you ever get a chance, watch how the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds do this before they put on a show. This technique is also used by Olympic athletes and other professionals to hone their performance. Obviously, there’s a time and a place for this as well. The point of this is to make you a better leader, which then relates to Trust. Back to the topic - The five mentioned steps are spot on, thank you for sharing sir! I'll use this in my next WOPD class.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 8:52 PM

2015-10-06T20:52:10-04:00

I can not say enough how great this is. I was enlisted and felt I knew what leadership was. I did to a point but as an officer things are a bit different. It is great to see such lessons from a experienced officer. I am learning from your podcasts and hope to see you on RP more often.