Army Leadership

Definition of Leadership

Army leadership is the activity of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization (ADP 6-22). Leaders inspire others to pursue actions, focus thinking, and shape decisions for the greater good.

Leader Attributes

Attributes are characteristics internal to a leader. They define a leader's character, presence, and intellect:

• Character: Army Values, Empathy, Warrior Ethos/Service Ethos, Discipline
• Presence: Military and professional bearing, Fitness, Confidence, Resilience
• Intellect: Mental Agility, Sound Judgment, Innovation, Interpersonal Tact, Expertise

Leader Competencies

Competencies are what a leader DOES — groups of related behaviors:

• Leads: Leads others, Builds trust, Extends influence beyond CoC, Leads by example, Communicates
• Develops: Creates a positive environment / Fosters esprit de corps, Prepares self, Develops others, Stewards the profession
• Achieves: Gets results

Levels of Leadership

• Direct Leadership: First-line leaders (team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant). Face-to-face influence.
• Organizational Leadership: Leaders who influence through policies and systems (battalion, brigade level).
• Strategic Leadership: Senior leaders who shape the entire Army or major components.

Counterproductive Leadership

Counterproductive leadership is the demonstration of leader behaviors that violate one or more of the Army's core leader competencies or Army Values, preventing a climate conducive to mission accomplishment. Signs include: using authority for personal gain, bullying, creating hostile work environments, and not caring about the welfare of Soldiers.

Board Tips

Know the Army Leadership Requirements Model cold — attributes (character, presence, intellect) and competencies (leads, develops, achieves). Be ready to describe your leadership style and give examples. Situational questions about leadership are VERY common.