The West oint's Way of Leadership

How Do We Develop Leaders of Character at West Point
• Clear, written rules: A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal nor tolerate that whose do
• Punishment • Move towards internalization
Expectations of A Leader
Leader Of
Character
How West Point Develops Leaders
Selective Admissions
Process
Theory of Development
Leader of Character
Standards Expectations
The West Point’s Way of Leadership
What Organizations Can Do?
• Culture—leaders develop leaders – experiences must be leveraged for development – failure is OK, a learning opprotunity, better to try and fail – reward self-development – link leader development to business model and metrics to measure performance
Long Gray Line—accountability, obligation
Inspiration—the third verb
Development—not merely attrition
Intellectual Military Physical
Ethical Spiritual Social
• Character—those moral qualities that constitute the nature of a leader and shape his/her decisions and actions
• Leader of character—seeks to discover the truth, decide what is right, and demonstrate the courage to act accordingly…always
– Role models – Classroom discussions (case studies) – History, tradition
Leader of Character
• Leadership—the process of influencing others to accomplish a mission
What Can You Do To Improve Your Leadership?
• Seek challenging experiences/education • Seek a coach, mentor • Reflect, summarize, make sense of your
experiences through journaling • Assess your progression regularly • Set developmental goals for your self • Learn to reward your self
• Establish/publicize expectations for leadership for leaders at all levels
– Should be able to… – Values-based and strategy/culture driven – Integrated into performance appraisal process
+ review
Experience as a leader •Challenges •Possession and other •Seeking responsibilities •Happy to learn
Experience evaluation •Review •Feedback •Mentor/coach
An Officer’s Identity:
War fighter
Immersion—culture
Standards—expose developmental gaps
Servant of Society Leader of Character Member of Profession
Role models—everywhere
ACTION=RIGHGT=TRUTH
What Is It Imperative to Develop Leaders of Character?
• Leaders set the moral/ethical climate for their organizations
• Crucial ingredient for establishing trust:
– Subordinates trust their leaders – Leaders trust their subordinates
• A proper moral/ethical climate enables freedom of action
How Does a Leader Grow Up?
The Growth of a Leader
Reaction and Preparation •Development plan •Training •New knowledge
Identify the Gap •Knowledge •Skills •Attitude •character
Self knowledge •Your skills •Your background •Your belief •Your attitude
What Can Your Organization Do to Develop Leaders
• Resource leader development programs • Establish a learning model:
– What kind o leaders do you want? – Identify content, process, structure
Values Cultures Community
To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation