Empowerment: A 21st Century Critical Leader Core Competency

Abstract

Our Army does not fully espouse, exercise or integrate empowerment into leadership practices and leader developmental processes, as a result we are not maximizing the full potential of leaders at all levels. This issue is critical due to the fact that the current and emerging nature of conflict in the 21st century requires leaders that are multifaceted, agile, and adaptive. Army leaders at all levels must be capable of executing decentralized operations for extended periods with no direct oversight and possess the talent and skills to lead across the full spectrum of conflict. Given this situation the concept of empowerment emerges as a critical leader core competency in the 21st century and highlights the need for the Army to modify the officer education system, doctrine and re examine certain aspects of our culture that constrain empowerment. This paper provides recommendations for the Army to consider in addressing these issues and seeks to assist senior leaders in preparing subordinates for the challenges associated with leading Soldiers in the 21st century.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 29, 2009
Accession Number
ADA501012

Entities

People

  • Robert M. Mundell

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Addressing
  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Knowledge Management
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Military Education
  • Military Science
  • Psychology
  • Students
  • Training
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Strategic Security Studies