While I agree with the Army’s definition of an ideal leader, I would add that the finest leaders take care of their subordinates …show more content…
Today’s conflicts are multifaceted, and leaders must be ready for the inevitable: missions will go wrong. In the civilian world and in the military training I have had thus far, no plan has ever been executed without some dilemma requiring the plan to be altered. This is why good leaders have to understand mission command. ADP 6-0 defines mission command as, “the exercise of authority and direction by the commander using mission orders to enable disciplined initiative within the commander’s intent to empower agile and adaptive leaders in the conduct of unified land operations” (p. 1, 2012). Leaders will be more effective and have stronger teams by acknowledging uncontrollable variables exist and using the six principles of mission …show more content…
A successful leader needs to be a positive member of three “teams.” The three “teams” include subordinates, peers, and superiors. ADRP 6-22 explains this concept in similar terms that focus more on a leader’s area of control. The direct level is “face-to-face or first-line leadership,” usually involving dozens of people (ADRP 6-22, p. 2-4, 2012). Organizational level leadership is one step up and the leader’s influence covers hundreds to thousands of people. The strategic level focuses on the force structure, joint operations, and impact global politics (ADRP 6-22, p. 2-5, 2012). Maintaining positive relationships with these “teams” and fulfilling your responsibilities that come with each one are essential to being an Army leader.
So far, I have described a good Army leader as someone that protects their soldiers and is capable of adjusting to the complexities of conflict. The last aspect I believe describes an excellent leader is someone that has a balance of character, presence, and intellect. An unbalanced leader is no leader at all. While everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, a good Army leader can identify these traits in their soldiers and themselves. Everyone, but a leader in particular, must continually strive to develop their weaknesses in an effort to achieve well-rounded