[September 25, 2016] A few months ago at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., there was a discussion at the most senior levels of the U.S. military on emerging leaders. About a dozen new General/Flag officers were being advised on what would be expected of them in their roles. Much is to be expected of a senior leader but the specifics are often lacking. That is why they were interested in hearing the perspective of 3 and 4-star generals/admirals.
“Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable.” – U.S. General George S. Patton
The attributes of new senior leaders draw upon the needs of the nation. If they lack what the nation requires of them, that new General/Flag officer will be removed. That process is much quicker and easier than one may think in the U.S. military. Essentially, those senior officers serve at the pleasure of the United States and there is no implied or specified contract for any length of time. In fact, they all know that they must prove themselves of value and do so on a daily basis.
Some of those attributes required of new senior leaders are for them to:
- Be able to operate on intent through trust, empowerment, and understanding.
- Be able to deal with surprise, the unforeseeable, and the unpredictable.
- Be able to recognize change and lead transitions.
- Be able to understand the environment (social, political, etc.) and effect of all elements of national power.
- Be able to operationally recognize, understand, change, and adapt to risks.
- Be able to generate and maintain a positive work climate through influence.
Several books were also recommended to stretch their thinking. Some have been summarized here at theLeaderMaker.com. Those books discussed are:
- The Age of the Unthinkable, Joshua Cooper Ramo, 2009.
- 7 Deadly Scenarios, Andrew P. Krepinevich, 2010.
- Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Simon Sinek, 2009
- The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, 2007.
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