Introduction
Many researchers and sociologists have studied the field of military leadership from different perspectives. Strong armies are usually associated with effective commanders who focus on the unique needs of their followers.
This means that good leadership will result in military success. Unfortunately, the traditional model of leadership in the army is something that should be revisited. Military leaders should develop evidence-based managerial practices that promote transformational tendencies, effective communication, and the use of modern technologies to address various challenges affecting their respective followers. The paper concludes by describing why and how military leadership can be improved to deliver desirable results.
Leadership
Modern technological changes and social developments have informed new practices in business organizations and disciplined forces. Although military leaders appreciate the fact that evidence-based approaches are needed if positive goals are to be realized, very little has been done to address the unique challenges soldiers encounter ((Richter, 2016). The emergence of modern leadership styles and theories is something that will continue to transform the way different soldiers are led.
The adoption of transformational and transactional leadership is an effort that has improved the performance of different military units. This is true since the targeted followers become empowered, guided, and inspired. Unfortunately, a unidirectional approach has been observed whenever different commanders are communicating with their soldiers (Flynn, 2014). A uniform leadership model is also evident in many units and squadrons.
This has been the situation despite the fact that all people tend to have different emotions, expectations, weaknesses, and strengths. Consequently, many leaders have found it hard to achieve most of their goals.
My personal experiences in the military reveal that the existing leadership approaches are ineffective. I strongly believe that emerging technological, economic, and social changes should be studied carefully if appropriate leadership models are to be embraced in this field. For instance, many soldiers are currently unable to present most of the grievances and complaints to their respective commanders (Richter, 2016).
The situational leadership styles embraced by such leaders require different followers to adjust their actions depending on the targeted objective. According to Segal (2016), military leaders mainly focus on the intended results instead of fulfilling the changing needs of every soldier. This means that most of the promoted styles of leadership are usually insensitive to the success of every individual.
Modern technological breakthroughs have become powerful tools for influencing or improving leadership practices. In corporations such as Google, employees use a wide range of resources to deliver meaningful results while at the same time pursuing their personal goals. In the military, many soldiers are not empowered using such innovations (Flynn, 2014). For example, I have not been able to use social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook to report any form of abuse in the military. Such platforms are instrumental when addressing the diverse challenges affecting different soldiers.
Another unique observation is that military leaders do not embrace evidence-based strategies that resonate with the desires of the targeted societies or beneficiaries. Flynn (2014) indicates that there are unique ethical and moral values that guide human beings across the globe. For example, every culture has its practices, norms, and beliefs that should be respected by all people. This means that commanders who fail to consider such aspects will definitely encounter unique problems whenever managing their soldiers.
Additionally, I have encountered several situations whereby different leaders failed to support the beliefs and practices of their followers. Consequently, new predicaments such as insubordination, miscommunication, and disagreements became a reality. Researchers and experts should, therefore, examine this gap carefully in order to propose better solutions.
Competent leaders should use appropriate communication skills. This practice is critical since it dictates the nature of the relationship existing between followers and their respective leaders (Richter, 2016). Effective communication has been observed to create the best environment for combined decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategy formulation. However, its absence in a given battalion will definitely result in increased problems, including conflict and disunity (Flynn, 2014).
I have observed that leaders who apply ineffective communication mechanisms fail to record positive results, thereby making it hard for the targeted team to achieve its objectives. Some managers in the military have failed to appreciate proper communication as one of the best tools for guiding different units (Moosey, 2016). It should also be studied from a leadership perspective because managers dictate the way military ideas, concepts, and skills are exchanged. With ineffective leadership in place, many soldiers or followers will tend to ignore every advice or concept presented by their superiors. This kind of occurrence will eventually result in failure.
Communication in the military is yet to be expanded to feature email messages and phone calls. The existing level of restriction in the military discourages many soldiers from sharing vital insights that can maximize the performance of their respective units (Moosey, 2016). Some military leaders lack enough skills to empower, communicate, and guide their subordinates. This situation has made it impossible for them to influence or dictate the success of the targeted battalion. The existence of hierarchical communication systems in the military ensures that information is filtered before it is received by different soldiers. Consequently, many individuals will become disconnected or disoriented whenever pursuing their goals.
Recommendation
The adoption of evidence-based concepts is an approach that can make a difference for every military unit. This means that leaders should embrace new practices such as teamwork to influence their subordinates’ behaviors and goals. The absence of these aspects is what has made it impossible for my group to emerge successfully. The existence of unexplained wrangles and conflicts is caused by ineffective military leadership.
Segal (2016) believes that the current gap will only be addressed by leaders who are aware of the changes experienced in the world today. They should also be willing to identify and resolve internal differences since they are capable of affecting the integrity of their teams. They use of inspirational approaches and incentives can be embraced in an attempt to guide different followers (Flynn, 2014). Towards the future, military experts and scholars should offer better insights and ideas in order to revolutionize military leadership.
Conclusion
The above discussion has revealed that military leadership is an area that has continued to ignore emerging theories and concepts in human management. Autocratic styles have become outdated and incapable of delivering meaningful results. It would, therefore, be appropriate for military commanders to embrace superior strategies in an attempt to empower their subordinates and focus on the targeted objectives. Theorists should study modern technologies and sociological notions carefully in order to meet the needs of every stakeholder.
References
Flynn, M. E. (2014). Military leadership, institutional change, and priorities in military spending. Foreign Policy Analysis, 10(2), 103-126. Web.
Moosey, M. (2016). Communicating difficult and taboo information: A how-to guide for commanders. Military Medicine, 181(1), 40-43. Web.
Richter, G. (2016). Antecedents and consequences of leadership styles: Findings from empirical research in multinational headquarters. Armed Forces and Society, 44(1), 72-91. Web.
Segal, M. W. (2016). The role of leadership and peer behaviors in the performance and well-being of women in combat: Historical perspectives, unit integration, and family issues. Military Medicine, 181(1), 28-39. Web.