The Army Leadership Model requires that leaders possess certain knowledge, skills, and attributes in order to be effective. Leaders must know themselves and their soldiers, understand the Army’s mission and values, and be able to make decisions under pressure. They must also be physically and mentally tough, as well as have the ability to communicate effectively. Lastly, leaders must be able to inspire others and lead by example.
MSG Estefan Nastvogel replaced the uninspiring first team lead that I was assigned to when I moved to my current unit. His only form of leadership was a PT smoke session at the gym. mentorship, technical skill development, and career advancement were not on the menu. Fortunately for me, he departed shortly thereafter, allowing me to join a new team leader – MSG Estefan Nastvogel.
MSG Nastvogel is the type of team leader that every soldier wishes they had. He’s always looking for ways to improve the team’s capabilities and grow the leadership skills of his subordinates. One of the things he did was create a monthly “Leadership Development Day.” On this day, we would spend a few hours in the morning working on our professional development – reading military leadership books, writing essays on leadership principles, discussing case studies, etc.
I really believe that the Army Leadership model has three key requirements: technical proficiency, physical fitness, and mental toughness. Technical proficiency is obviously important in any job, but it’s especially critical in the military. You have to know your job inside and out and be able to perform it under extreme pressure. Physical fitness is also essential. Not only do you have to be able to meet the Army’s physical standards, but you also need to be able to maintain your composure and focus when you’re exhausted and under stress. Finally, mental toughness is key. You have to be able to make split-second decisions in chaotic situations, remain calm under fire, and keep going even when things are tough.
I think that the Army Leadership model is a great framework for developing leaders at all levels. I’m grateful to have had a leader like MSG Nastvogel who was willing to invest in my development, and I hope that I can pay it forward by doing the same for others.
The difference was like night and day. MSG Nastvogel not only could handle those PT sessions, but he also brought a breadth of expertise and, perhaps more importantly, genuine enthusiasm for improving his troops. Despite the fact that he is no longer my team leader, his influence has stayed with me.
When I think about the requirements for an effective leader, I keep coming back to three key factors: experience, interest and character.
1. Experience: An effective leader must have the experience necessary to understand what it takes to get the job done. This experience can come from a variety of sources, including education, previous jobs, and life experiences.
2. Interest: An effective leader must be interested in the people they are leading. This interest must be genuine and not simply a facade. A leader who is truly interested in their team will take the time to get to know them, understand their goals and motivations, and help them grow both personally and professionally.
3. Character: An effective leader must have good character. This means they must be honest, trustworthy, and have integrity. A leader with good character will be someone that others can respect and look up to.
These three factors are what I believe are the most important requirements for an effective leader. When I think about the leaders in my life who have had the biggest impact on me, they all possess these qualities. And, I strive to emulate their example in my own leadership journey.
He is a natural-born leader, with the Warrior Ethos second nature to him – and it’s never more important than the cause. An important need arose last summer, and he was the only one who could fill it. Even though he had just returned from his previous deployment less than two months previously, he answered the nation’s call and assumed responsibility for it. He’s never parsimonious with his time when he’s at home.
Whether it’s coaching his son’s soccer team or helping a neighbor with home repairs, he’s always willing to lend a hand.
The Army Leadership Model requires that leaders possess certain attributes and competencies in order to be successful. Some of these include:
– Being able to take charge and make decisions when necessary
– Being physically and mentally tough
– Possessing strong moral character
– Having excellent communication skills
– Being intelligent and well-educated
– Being competent in a wide range of military skills
Of course, not every leader will possess all of these qualities, but the best ones will have most of them. With the right mix of attributes and competencies, Army leaders can achieve great things for their soldiers and the nation.
I was on OCONUS leave for a month, so I didn’t have an APFT on file within the previous 30 days. Time was running out, and I was getting concerned. My old mentor called me, and he immediately agreed to assist. He gave up family time with his two young children to help me prepare and administer an APFT during a four-day holiday – and he’s no longer in my chain of command. Despite intimidating circumstances, the Army is able to succeed due to people like him.
It is said that the Army values three things above all else: mission, people, and equipment. Of these, people are by far the most important asset. The Army invests heavily in its personnel, both in terms of training and development. This investment pays off in terms of increased readiness and effectiveness on the battlefield.
The Army leadership model is based on a simple idea: that leadership is about influence, not rank or position. Leaders at all levels must be able to listen to others, understand their perspectives, and persuade them to buy into a common vision. This requires emotional intelligence as well as cognitive ability. It also requires a willingness to learn from mistakes and an openness to change.
The Army’s leadership model is designed to develop these skills in its leaders. It begins with the basic idea that everyone has the potential to lead, regardless of rank or position. Leaders are not born, they are made.