Effective Leadership in TPU's: Findings from Interviews at 16 Units.
Abstract
This report summarizes Phase 11 of a study of effective leadership behavior in company-level units (TPU's) in the U.S. Army Reserve. Extensive interviews were conducted in 16 high-priority (FSP) units, focusing on effective/ineffective leadership behavior by company commanders. Results underscore the fundamental importance of leadership to unit readiness and retention. The report identifies leader behaviors that influence readiness and retention by building five key conditions in the unit: training quality, standards, cohesiveness, confidence and respect in the leader, and support from spouses and employers. One finding involves the importance of the leader's time commitment to the unit. Another involves leader behaviors essential to managing unit training, including availability to subordinates, planning and delegation, and protecting the plan. Another includes a three-stage strategy for turning around units with low standards. Another involves identification of three leadership values that tend to produce trust and confidence: mission, standards/accountability, and soldier care. Concrete best practices are cited for each effective leadership behavior identified. The report also identifies two 'leadership traps' that several less-effective leaders fell into, involving micromanagement and punishment. The report concludes with several recommendations, including the need for leadership training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA318172
Entities
People
- Bob Barrios-choplin
- Kenneth Thomas
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School