The Direct, Organizational, And Strategic Levels Of Leadership In An Organization

Superior Essays
What is a leader? What does it mean to be a leader in an organization? What are the leader roles and leader actions? These are some of the questions this course has explored. Leaders are not born; they are created by principles of morals, values, beliefs, and most importantly actions. These principles of leadership complement the Direct, Organizational, and Strategic levels of leadership the U.S Army employs. Direct leadership is the face-to-face first line of leadership commanding a handful to several hundred soldiers. Organizational leadership commands several hundred to several thousand soldiers through levels of subordinates and are responsible for establishing policy and the organization’s working climate. Strategic leadership focuses …show more content…
Integrity, emotional stability, and social intelligence are three critical soft skills that are required to lead. Leaders at all levels rely upon soft leadership skills for setting the example, teambuilding, encouraging innovation and motivation, and problem solving. These skills are typically not easy to observe, are developed over time, provide each leader with a unique portfolio and outlook. Interpersonal skills are essential to direct leadership. Army leaders provide mission guidance and mentorship to soldiers daily. They must be able to communicate effectively or otherwise certain tasks will not be accomplished on time or to standard. More importantly, a trusting relationship is needed in the development of soldiers as future …show more content…
This phase defines the consolidation of knowledge regarding a particular activity, task, or processes in one person. When that one person leaves, knowledge leaves with them. Functional work teams are the remedy to the “single point of failure” situation in military organizations. The military is one of the best organizations to apply functional work teams as members have specialized jobs but still preform the same function. Effective leadership is still an essential element of leading functional teams. Military leaders must clarify team values, set expectations, and influencing members to have ownership in the success of the team and organization. In addition, leaders must be the first to trust others and share information. Subordinates cannot accomplish their delegated tasks or duties assigned to them if information is lacking. Military leaders are obligated to model the way for team to be

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