Introduction
Leadership plays a crucial part in the proper functioning of modern society. People need leaders to communicate the goals and vision for errands and to help them achieve goals. One example of this is informal leadership, where individuals follow a person whom they consider credible or knowledgeable. Leadership is the basis of the Army’s ability to complete operations and defend the nation’s interests, and it is based on integrity and commitment to assist subordinates and help them develop their competencies. The purpose of this research is to provide an outline of the army leadership concept and its particular features.
Leadership in the Army
While informal leadership can be effective in a variety of spheres, the Army is a particular area of human activity, and it requires strictly formal leadership to function properly. One of the distinct features of the Army is that it is always associated with a certain degree of danger to people’s lives. Accordingly, leaders must possess specific qualities, which prove to be effective in such a setting. In fact, credentials do not define a successful leader in the context of the Army. Instead, personal qualities, such as strength and assertiveness, are important, as they allow leaders to communicate with their subordinates clearly.
The Elements of Leadership
Similar to many other phenomena, leadership can be researched from a theoretical point of view. As a rule, it suggests a system in which two major elements are present. The first element is the leader, who can be one’s manager or supervisor in a formal setting, as well as a mentor or a parent in an informal one. At the same time, there must be subordinates, as well, the exact number of whom may vary greatly. Leadership defines the nature of the relationship between the two elements of this system. It can be different in each particular setting, as organizations and individuals may have an independent perception of a good leader’s traits.
Army Leadership Competencies
In the discussed context, the Army demonstrates a unique type of leadership due to the distinct challenges of this sphere. The relationships between superiors and subordinates are strictly regulated in this setting. There is a clear outline of the chain of command, as each individual must have a clear understanding of their tasks and global objectives. Effective army leaders must have three key competencies, and, naturally, the ability to lead and inspire has the highest priority. Simultaneously, army superiors must help their subordinates accomplish their missions and serve as positive role models. When all three criteria are met, the unit is capable of being effective in attaining its goals.
Army Leadership Foundation
The primary objective of the Army is to defend the interests of its state and ensure the safety of its citizens. Accordingly, it must share the same principles upon which the nation is built. In general, the leadership in the Army, while being strictly regulated in terms of subordination, continues to rely on the basic principles of democracy. It shares the same views and values it serves to protect, and these values define the performance standards, which exist within the described context. The army leadership exists on three levels, which are direct, organizational, and strategic. The Army’s leaders have to be competent and responsible for their work, but also they have to be engaged in developing their subordinates’ skills and knowledge.
Core Elements of the Army Leadership
An army leader has to be a trustworthy individual who has earned a reputation for being reliable and competent. There exist three core elements that form the basis of leadership, which are integrity, authenticity, and commitment. It means that an army’s leader should be trustworthy and have a reputation of a good leader and a person committed to severe their country and making the best designs possible. These factors are mostly intangible and require one to show that they have integrity and follow ethical standards on a daily basis. Although one may argue that formally, an army leader is anyone with a formal responsibility to lead, this appointment lacks the foundation of leadership, which is authority. However, considering that the military is mostly engaged in completing dangerous tasks and operations, it is essential to have leaders who are viewed as authoritative figures.
Army Leadership System
The leadership foundations are linked to the different units within the Army: team, section, and squad. At each of these levels, a leader should be capable of communicating each action’s purpose and creating a sense of urgency for completing an operation. For example, colonels and generals work on developing strategic plans for the Army. They should be able to communicate the purpose of these plans or the necessity to achieve them to protect the nation. However, at each level, the authority of the figure, combined with the link to the state’s democratic values, the Army’s history, and the leader’s commitment to helping their subordinates develop their skills and competencies, is the foundation of leadership in the Army.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective leadership is one of the indispensable elements ensuring the proper functioning of modern society. This concept gains particular importance in the context of the Army due to the nature of the duties. While leadership can be different and exist in various forms, the Army demands a formal type of it. Leadership serves as a core value of the Army, ensuring that each element of the system knows their duties, tasks, and responsibilities. As a result, units are able to attain their objective in an efficient manner while responding to the challenges of the Army. Effective leaders must demonstrate a substantial level of integrity and provide guidance to their subordinates. This way, the Army can accomplish its primary mission of defending the state and its values.