Developing leaders is a viable benefit the Army possesses that cannot be replaced by technology or advanced weaponry and platforms.1 The development of soldiers is the most important for building and leading company-sized elements in today's ever-changing operational environment. Army Regulation 600-100 defines leader development as the "deliberate, continuous, sequential, and progressive process, grounded in Army Values that grows Soldiers and civilians into competent and confident leaders capable of decisive action."2 Several of the roads a soldier will head down, a leader has already crossed. This essay discusses the competencies of developing soldiers, which includes creating a positive environment, seeking self-improvement, and developing individual subordinates.
Creating a Positive Environment
To achieve and maintain a favorable climate, communication between subordinates and leaders is essential. Based on shared perceptions and attitudes, a unit's environment affects mutual trust, cohesion, and commitment to the mission.3 Leaders must monitor the organization's ethical climate and take prompt action to correct any discrepancies. Sincere concern for the welfare of soldiers
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Self-aware leaders recognize their strengths and developmental needs across various environments and progressively use this knowledge to develop a clear, honest picture of capabilities and limitations.5 Leaders create these capabilities by studying doctrine and contextualizing the information with personal experiences, military history, and geopolitical awareness. A developed intellect empowers the leader to think creatively and reason analytically, critically, ethically, and with cultural awareness6 (1). By acknowledging and embracing the importance of learning, leaders actively foster a culture dedicated to life-long learning and a cadre of leaders who thirst for knowledge and