Personal Perspective on Leadership at the Senior Officer Level.
Abstract
This essay identifies and examines those significant leadership skills necessary, in my opinion, for the successful senior military officer in order to optimize achievement of the organizational mission and to maintain a healthy, positive command climate. An historical examination of several senior officers indicates that there are certain skills that were essential elements of their success. While this essay does not contend that possession of these skills will guarantee success, it attempts to give the reader an appreciation and heightened awareness of those skills which must be honed if success as a senior military leader is to weigh in your favor. The critical skills of a senior leader are broadly categorized in the following general areas: professional, interpersonal and decision-making. The author pruports that leadership at the senior level is unique from that of lower levels in the military hierarchy in scope, complexity and criticality. More specifically, the senior leader must set the tone for the organization as a whole, transcend a parochial focus, consider with and influence large numbers of people several echelons removed, focus on the mission in the face of numerous competing priorities and resources, and solidify cohesion within a large organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA183758
Entities
People
- Mary A. Walker
Organizations
- United States Army War College