Operational Leadership: Three Salient Attributes

Abstract

Abstract : Among the challenges facing the United States military in the 21st century is future operational leadership. With the evolving reliance on information technology, the human factor will be increasingly more important in the accurate selection of future operational leaders. The ability to recognize the 2010 operational commander is one of the most critical tasks for leaders today. In waging war, having the right combination of operational leadership attributes is essential to successful warfighting and victory on the battlefield. The numerous attributes of an operational commander are narrowed to the three most pivotal characteristics. Historical evidence shows that the most successful operational commanders had superior professional knowledge, unwavering courage, and inspiring vision. In identifying future operational leaders, senior leadership must know which specific attributes to hone-in on, and then observe, early on, those officers with the knack for operational leadership. Furthermore, today's leaders must mentor and groom tomorrow's leaders.