Military Leadership Vs Civilian Workplace

Leadership in the Military vs Civilian Workplace Leadership

Great battles have been won and lost due to leadership. However, what does it truly mean to be a leader? A leader is more than someone who makes decisions and tells you what to do. A leader guides by providing a clear vision, lives by example, and empowers those around them, so, that they too will become leaders. Furthermore, an exceptional leader can transform the lives of those under their guidance. According to Northouse, leadership is “a process by whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” Though some are born with traits that make them inclined to be leaders (trait-theory of leadership), including intelligence, self-confidence, determination,

Unlike in the military, leaders in the corporate setting seem to encourage unhealthy competition and push self-interest. For instance, managers may give subordinates a bonus for beating their target sales quota, which may cause subordinates to sabotage others and or engage in unethical practices. Nevertheless, high sales reflects well on the manager when in front his/her higher ups. Furthermore, in the civilian setting, supervisors may achieve positional leadership, in which people follow because of the authority that comes with the title, not because the wholeheartedly want to. The five levels of leadership are not quickly achieved because there is so much focus on turning a profit instead of bettering the people. Morals and virtues are not at the forefront of civilian leadership which is not a surprise. In fact, Simon Sinek states that corporate rewards people for sacrificing others. In corporate, there is not an ongoing purpose for leadership, except to make money for the

In the military this respect is exemplified by referring to the person by their rank (Ex. Lieutenant James or Colonel Matthew). In the corporate world subordinates would refer to their superiors by their title. Additionally, military leaders and civilian leaders alike, encourage creativity and development of professional knowledge. In corporate, someone with years of experience and or a degree may be promoted to a position of leadership. Likewise, in the military, if ones meets certain criteria he/she moves up in rank. Moreover, leaders in both settings lead their team to a common goal; the military is working to keep the US people safe and corporate wants to turn profits. Civilian and Military leaders keep a watchful eye on subordinates pinpoint their strengths and weakness and build on those strengths to benefit the team as a whole.

All in all, though certain aspects remain the same, a clear contrast can be seen between the civilian workplace and the military. Leadership in the civilian setting tends to be selfish as the thought is “How can I use you to help me?” while military leadership is selfless, asking “How can I help you to help someone else.” Military personnel leave better people than they came in and pass it on to those around them, be it coaching their kids teams or becoming police officers as highlighted in the