Be, Know, Do

1. Leadership is about character, not just skills

Character helps you know what's right and do what's right, all the time and at whatever the cost.

Values shape leadership. The Army's leadership philosophy emphasizes that effective leadership stems from a leader's character and values, not just their skills or position. The core Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage form the foundation for leadership at all levels. These values guide decision-making, build trust, and inspire others to follow.

Character development is crucial. Leaders must continuously work on developing their character, as it influences every aspect of their leadership. This includes:

• Cultivating self-awareness
• Practicing ethical decision-making
• Demonstrating consistency between words and actions
• Setting a positive example for others to emulate

Leaders who embody strong character earn the respect and trust of their subordinates, peers, and superiors, enabling them to lead effectively in challenging situations.

2. Effective leaders focus on people as whole individuals

The Army is not made up of people; the Army is people . . . living, breathing, serving human beings. They have needs and interests and desires. They have spirit and will, strengths and abilities.

Holistic approach to leadership. Effective leaders recognize that their team members are not just employees or soldiers, but whole individuals with complex needs, aspirations, and personal lives. This understanding shapes how leaders interact with, develop, and support their people.

Key aspects of people-focused leadership:

• Considering physical, emotional, and mental well-being
• Providing meaningful work and clear purpose
• Offering opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Balancing organizational needs with individual needs
• Building strong, supportive relationships

By treating people as whole individuals, leaders create an environment of trust, respect, and commitment. This approach fosters higher morale, increased engagement, and better overall performance, ultimately benefiting both the individuals and the organization.

3. Leading from the front builds trust and credibility

You will have my utmost. I shall expect yours.

Visible leadership in action. Leading from the front means being present, engaged, and actively involved in the work and challenges faced by the team. This approach demonstrates commitment, builds credibility, and inspires others to follow.

Key elements of leading from the front include:

• Sharing in hardships and challenges
• Demonstrating competence and willingness to learn
• Communicating clearly and frequently
• Taking responsibility for decisions and outcomes
• Setting high standards and living up to them personally

By leading from the front, leaders gain firsthand knowledge of situations, build stronger relationships with team members, and earn the respect and trust necessary for effective leadership. This approach is especially crucial during times of change or crisis, when clear direction and strong example-setting are most needed.

4. Teamwork is essential for organizational success

The Army can't function except as a team.

Cultivating a team-oriented culture. The Army emphasizes that teamwork is not just desirable but essential for success. This principle applies equally to other organizations. Effective leaders foster a culture where collaboration, mutual support, and shared goals are paramount.

Key elements for building strong teams:

• Establishing clear, shared objectives
• Promoting open communication and trust
• Encouraging diverse perspectives and skills
• Recognizing and rewarding team achievements
• Addressing conflicts constructively

Leaders must actively work to break down silos, encourage cross-functional collaboration, and create an environment where team success is valued over individual accomplishments. By prioritizing teamwork, organizations can achieve goals that would be impossible for individuals working alone.

5. Embracing change requires vision and adaptability

For most men, the matter of learning is one of personal preference. But for Army [leaders], the obligation to learn, to grow in their profession, is clearly a public duty.

Leading through change. In today's rapidly evolving world, leaders must not only adapt to change but actively drive it. This requires a clear vision of the future, the ability to communicate that vision effectively, and the flexibility to adjust course as needed.

Strategies for leading change:

• Developing and articulating a compelling vision
• Building a coalition of support for change initiatives
• Empowering others to act on the vision
• Planning for and celebrating short-term wins
• Institutionalizing new approaches

Effective change leaders balance honoring the organization's past while preparing for its future. They recognize that change can be difficult and work to address resistance through clear communication, involvement, and support. By embracing change as an opportunity for growth and improvement, leaders can guide their organizations to thrive in dynamic environments.

6. Continuous learning drives individual and organizational growth

Leaders who stop receiving feedback from subordinates, it's a good indication that something is wrong.

Fostering a learning culture. Continuous learning is essential for both individual and organizational success. Leaders must model a commitment to ongoing development and create an environment that encourages learning at all levels.

Key aspects of promoting continuous learning:

• Encouraging curiosity and questioning of the status quo
• Providing opportunities for formal and informal learning
• Embracing failure as a learning opportunity
• Promoting knowledge sharing across the organization
• Recognizing and rewarding learning and growth

Leaders should actively seek feedback, reflect on experiences, and apply lessons learned to future situations. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, organizations can adapt more quickly to changes, innovate more effectively, and maintain a competitive edge.

7. After Action Reviews foster improvement and learning

The Army's After Action Review is arguably one of the most successful organizational learning methods yet devised.

Structured reflection for improvement. After Action Reviews (AARs) provide a systematic approach to learning from experiences, both successes and failures. This process allows teams to identify what worked, what didn't, and how to improve future performance.

Key elements of effective AARs:

• Focusing on specific, measurable objectives
• Encouraging open and honest participation from all team members
• Analyzing root causes, not just symptoms
• Identifying concrete actions for improvement
• Following up to ensure lessons are applied

By incorporating AARs into regular operations, organizations create a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning. This process helps teams adapt quickly, avoid repeating mistakes, and build on successes, ultimately leading to better overall performance and resilience.

Last updated: September 26, 2024