Reflection on Military and Civilian Leadership

Leadership in civilian and military organizations caries some of the very same characteristics. Even though each organization may emphasis different aspects of leadership the same traits that were successful in one arena, such as the military or civilian world, may transfer across sectors. A comparative analysis in the Journal of Military & Strategic studies offer some perspectives on leadership manifestation in multiple arenas (Horn, 2014). 

The leadership styles in the military and the civilian world may not be so different even though the definitions may change. Each has their own way of looking at leadership due to the needs of their environment. The actions that make one successful in one organization may also make the same person successful in another.

Consider how a logistic's officer in the military may require certain levels of knowledge and skill in order to reach leadership status. The same idea would apply in civilian distribution centers that rely on similar processes and technologies. The leader learns to be adaptive to these adjustments and reach success over new environments.

Even though the same skills apply between various organizations it does take time for new leaders to understand the unique cultures and definitions of leadership in each organization. When learned skills begin to apply and make improvements the overall process of leadership may be mirrored. The basic skills of leadership do not dissipate when moving from organization to organization.

Leaders have basic abilities that can apply across multiple organizational types and industry sectors. A military leader may be able to apply these basic leadership traits across various military departments in the same way that a successful executive in one company may repeat that success in another organization. The personality and learned knowledge simply doesn't disappear when moving from one company to the next.

The comparative analysis helps us to understand that each organization may have their own impression of leadership and emphasis certain leadership traits and behaviors. Developed leaders can transfer knowledge and skill across one area to the next. This may be one reason why it is beneficial for the civilian sector to consider the merits of hiring military leaders and why the military may consider civilian leaders. After a learning curve there is a higher likelihood of success. 

Horn, Colonel B. (2014). A reflection on leadership: a comparative analysis of military and civilian approaches. Journal of Military & Strategic Studies, 15 (3). 

A Reflection On Leadership: A Comparative Analysis Of Military And Civilian Approaches.

Academic Journal

By: Horn, Colonel Bernd. Journal of Military & Strategic Studies. 2014, Vol. 15 Issue 3, p229-249. 21p. Abstract: The article provides a comparative analysis of the military and civilian approaches onleadership. The author suggests that leadership is not a one size fits all activity and depends on the personality and approach of the leader and respective situation and circumstance. Also examined are the strengths of military and civilian leaders and as well as their common weaknesses. (AN: 96718054), Database: International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center

CEO Career Breadth Creates Novel Strategies

Companies thrive or die off their ability to find the right type of leadership to manage their daily operations. Investors would be wise to consider the background and depth of experience when hiring their next CEO. A study of CEOs at 250 Fortune companies found that CEO career variety is positively associated with firm-level novelty that offers strategic dynamism and strategic distinctiveness that can help firms change and grow (Crossland, et. al. 2014). 

Strategic novelty is the ability of CEOs to think out of the box and beyond the medium of traditional strategies of those firms within their field. Instead of using only the same strategies, as other firms, they often seek out alternative strategies that could potentially have more lucrative outcomes. Novelty can make the difference between a market leader and market follower.

Career breadth is the multiple industries and places that people have worked over their careers. A CEO who worked in a single industry throughout their career will naturally be indoctrinated into those beliefs and have difficulty thinking about new ways of doing things. A person with wider experience has the ability to think creatively that leads to different results. 

Such CEOs are more likely to seek out experimentation and change as a method of managing the business. As problems arise they aren’t stuck with the status quo and often try and find new ways of doing things. This can help organizations find a way to transform themselves when market difficulties arise. 

The advantages of hiring the right CEO can make a huge difference in the growth potential of a business. Businesses naturally face internal and external challenges that can hamper their growth. CEOs that have a wider breadth of knowledge can put their mind to work on solving these challenges in new ways and hence lead their company to a new level of performance. 

Crossland, C., et. al. (2014). CEO career variety: effects on firm-level strategic and social novelty. Academy of Management Journal, 57 (3).