Essential Traits for Notable Leadership: A Communique from the Army's Chief of Staff to Fresh Commanding Officers
Get Ready for the Challenge!
Hey there, future soldier! Brace yourself as you step into the fast-paced world, where technology is spiraling quicker than ever before. Warfare is slowly mutating, and it's up to you and your ingenious thinking to keep up and lead the change.
So, what's not going to change? The Army's demand for robust leaders with strong character and unwavering resolve. After all, you've been trained for this. Get ready for the storm!
Now, I'd like to share some characteristics that define great leaders:
- Dive Deep into Your Craft: Good leaders know the value of self-improvement and the hard work it takes to prepare themselves for the job. They understand that the soldiers they'll be commanding spend hours preparing for combat, so they should do the same[1]. You'll find Soldiers like Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha, a beacon of preparation that paid off magnificently when he and his team outsmarted the odds at Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan[2]. Utilize the training, coaching, and guidance available to you to become a master in your field, as Kennedy once said, "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."
- Focus on the Present: Good leaders focus on the tasks at hand, not ulterior motives or future assignments. They remain undistracted, laser-focused on the job they're in[1]. Maybe you'll find yourself, like me, in a position you never wished for. Don't waste time with regrets or fretting about your career. Instead, dig in, learn the ins and outs of the job, build a formidable team, and accomplish the mission at hand[3].
- Be an Amazing Teammate: Good leaders are a solid rock for their teams, always professional, prepared, and above all, trustworthy. They are ambitious for their team's success, not their own[1]. Lieutenant General Walt Piatt, one of the finest leaders I've known, was a true teammate who genuinely wanted to help his comrades succeed. So, strive to embody such a reputation. Make it your ambition to be loved and respected by those around you[4].
After years of focusing on your grades, rank, and fitness scores, the game changes now. From here on, it's all about your soldiers. Your success will be determined by theirs, so make sure you equip yourself with the drive, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to lead them to victory.
I'm thrilled to welcome you to the Army family!
Protect and Defend!
General Randy George is the forty-first chief of staff of the Army.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
[1] Self-development and performance improvement in the Army[2] Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha and Combat Outpost Keating[3] The importance of physical and mental toughness in Army leaders[4] Leadership qualities and characteristics
- In the fast-paced world of military leadership, you must not only defend and protect but also exhibit strong financial management skills to ensure the resources needed for your team are efficiently allocated.
- As you rise through the ranks, demonstrate leadership in all aspects, including business leadership, by emulating the qualities needed to command a military unit - drive, knowledge, and unwavering commitment.
- Prepare yourself for the challenging negotiations that may come along with your military leadership role, leveraging your military experience to lead your force into victory, just as you would in the boardroom of a business.
