Leadership development in military basic leader course

The Army offers unparalleled opportunities for leadership development, and not just at the theoretical level but also at the practical and applied stages. Nowhere is leadership more important than in the military, which is why the principles taught in this course will continue to resonate with me as I progress in my career. While every lesson has something to offer, the modules on leadership theories and on ethics have proved especially helpful for me to gain insight into different styles and approaches. For example, Big Man theory, trait theory, and situational leadership theories all apply to the Army. Because I have a better understanding of the diversity of leadership styles, my attitudes about leadership have changed since taking this course. Some leaders are more effective as transactional managers, focused on specific tasks and goals, but lack the big picture vision that sets apart servant leaders and visionary leaders. I appreciate that the Army recognizes different theories of leadership, all of which should ultimately be evidence-based, with outcomes proving the efficacy of different styles or approaches. In fact, the Army does allow individual leaders to cultivate specific skills and traits to promote the greater good of the organization—and the country—as a whole.
Other topics I benefitted from the most include those on followership, which is a concept I had never before considered, conflict resolution strategies, and the relationship between power and ethics in leadership. Followership is an interesting concept in leadership because it switches the emphasis from the leader to the team. In a hierarchical organization like the Army, followership is actually of the upmost importance. Servant leadership is a concept akin to followership, highlighting the relationship between leaders and their followers, and how both are integral to promoting the mission and values of the organization. As Buckner (2014) points out, the Army does not depend on only cultivating a servant leadership approach and certainly does not align itself with models like transformational leadership, which could potentially undermine chain of command. However, the Army always needs situational leaders: those who have a high degree of situational awareness and the ability to respond to change with decisive action. This course has revealed the complexities of Army leadership, in that we need to inspire followership based on principles, values, and intrinsic motivation while also respecting organizational culture and chain of command.
The relationship between power and ethics is also critical to effective Army command. Authority and formal power do need to be taken seriously, which is why trust is so important in the Army. Yet leaders also need to be careful with their power, understanding that their power ultimately serves the organization rather than promoting their own personal goals. The great thing about military leadership is that there are always checks and balances on power, making it hard for anyone in a position of power to get away with unethical behavior for long. Ethics in leadership also coincide with the willingness to speak out against injustice, and the initiative to make changes, however small, that lead to positive outcomes for the organization as a whole. The Army has changed, and continues to change, albeit slowly, becoming more inclusive and welcoming of diversity. These are important issues in leadership because of the way diversity can promote critical thinking within Army units and enable creative solutions to problems. When interpersonal conflicts arise within a team, a leader needs to apply both creative and critical thinking to resolve the issue swiftly and in accordance with ethical goals.
Reflecting on the barriers I personally need to overcome in my journey, I focus most on communication. Learning how to express the truth in a clear and straightforward way, being assertive without being aggressive, and being a better listener are all skills I need to master. Through concerted effort, humility, and the willingness to listen to and heed advice from my mentors, I am confident I can overcome any obstacles that come in my way and in the way of my being the best leader and role model I can be in the future.
References
Buckner, N.E. (2014). Mastering the art of military leadership. NCO Journal. http://ncojournal.dodlive.mil/2014/01/23/mastering-the-art-of-military-leadership/