1200 Words on Army Leadership

In the army there are 3 main FM 's that cover leadership. They are FM 7-0, FM 7-1, and FM 6-22. The Army 's definition of leadership is the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. An army leader is anyone who by virtue of assumed role or assigned responsibility inspires and influences people to accomplish organizational goals. Army leaders motivate people both inside and outside the chain of command to pursue actions, focus thinking, and shape decisions for the greater good of the organization. Influencing is getting soldiers to do what is necessary. Influencing entails more than simply passing along orders. Leaders must set the example for soldiers with every action taken and word spoken both on and off duty. By ensuring that through actions and words the NCO is doing the right thing they show their soldier 's what is expected of them as soldiers in the Army. When an NCO properly influences their soldiers they give them purpose, direction, and motivation. Purpose gives soldiers the reason to act in order to achieve a desired outcome. Leaders give soldiers purpose through the use of requests and/or orders given to the soldiers. Providing clear direction involves communicating how to accomplish a mission. Direction helps soldiers to prioritize tasks, assign responsibility, and ensure soldiers understand the standard for accomplishing the mission. Soldiers want and need direction and they need challenging tasks, quality training, and adequate resources to accomplish the mission. Soldiers develop professionally when given appropriate freedom of action. Providing clear direction allows soldiers the freedom to modify plans and orders to adapt to changing circumstances. A sergeant should take the time and have the patience to explain to the soldiers what is required of them to ensure the soldiers have all the information required to properly