Abstract
The United States Army, since its inception in June of 1775, has benefited from leaders understanding styles, skills, traits and management of Soldiers. Leaders of the Army, past and present, have used different leadership methods in order to garner greater results from its Soldiers and employees while overcoming many challenges. The history of leadership has developed over years through the attributes and characteristics of great leaders in the military and civilian sectors. Communication is a great part of leadership skills. Transactional and transformational are two styles of leadership used over the years by the Army. Leadership traits include the following: adaptability to different situations, alert to social environment, assertiveness, communicating, decisive decision making, desire to influence others to be successful, willing to assume responsibility for ones actions and self-confidence. A better understanding of these styles and traits will give leaders an opportunity to succeed.
Introduction
The United States Army, since its inception in June of 1775, has benefited from leaders understanding styles, traits and management of Soldiers. Leaders of the Army, past and present, have used different leadership methods in order to garner greater results from its Soldiers and employees while overcoming many challenges. The accepted definition of Army Leadership is the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. The purpose of this history paper is to explain how leadership styles and skills coupled with traits of leadership have impacted the United States Army throughout time. An example of a stellar leader from one’s past and her overall impact on subordinates will also be discussed.
Background
The history of leadership has developed over years through the attributes and characteristics of
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