Inspiring Leadership in Military and Legion Contexts
Exploring the dynamics of leadership within the military and American Legion, this content delves into the concepts of power bases, authority limitations, and the interplay between expectations and disappointments in organizational leadership. It sheds light on the distinctive challenges faced in leading military personnel versus legion members, emphasizing the importance of understanding and inspiring others to drive positive change within the organization.
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Presentation Transcript
Leadership Leadership Leadership INSPIRING OTHERS
Leadership Reflection: Our Military Experience Reflection: Our Military Experience Volunteer or conscripted, we understood that choice was not always ours We were first introduced, then socialized, then managed, then led
Leadership Military Leaders Military Leaders Able to leverage all 5 bases of power Coercive (the or else power) Legitimate (by order of higher authority) Expert (by rank, experience, expertise) Reward (by authority, experience, kindness) Referent (because we gave them power)
Leadership Legion Leaders Legion Leaders Cannot leverage all 5 bases of power Coercive (the or else power) Legitimate (no rank among us) Expert (by rank, experience, expertise) Reward (limited) Referent (because we gave them power)
Leadership Limitations of Authority Limitations of Authority There exists a degree of political influence that can canalize the ambitious but it has zero effect on the general population There is no real or else factor So what authority is there?
Leadership Exercise Exercise Take this time to complete the My Expectations form Top 3 things that you expected to gain from being in The American Legion
Leadership Exercise Exercise Take this time to complete the My Disappointments portion Top 3 things that have disappointed you about The American Legion (at any level)
Leadership Exercise Exercise Does 1 or more of the disappointments relate to your expectations? If not- then your primary motivators are likely being met or will be met If so- then you are here because you believe you are in a position to inspire change (lead the organization) to meet your expectations The people who leave did not have their expectations met and did not believe that they could influence change
Leadership How do we inspire? How do we inspire? First, we design and communicate a vision that most everyone can align to (mission, vision, values, etc.) Next, we set the example by being front-and-center in all things related to that goal Then, we update our members about the progress toward achieving the vision We welcome and encourage new ideas, debate, initiative, and mentor/mentee relationships Most important, we keep our thumb on the pulse of the expectations of our Legionnaires and do our best to deliver the promise we made
Leadership Understanding Legionnaire Leadership Understanding Legionnaire Leadership What it ISN T What it is Inspiring through example and effective communication Serving the strategic mission of the four pillars from the tactical level Guiding Legionnaires through the challenges of change (change management) Mentoring others to be a better version of yourself Passion and conviction in purpose Appointed or Elected Position(s) Serving self to satisfy ambition Refusing change and/or failing to embrace the strategic mission Stifling the growth of others due to competitive (self-serving) personality Hierarchy
Leadership Why Lead and not Manage? Why Lead and not Manage? It is about inspiring, not ordering, because there is an absence of authority to manage! Understand the 5 Bases of Power Coercive Power Reward Power Legitimate Power Expert Power Referent Power Understand the limitation of you power Then ask . How do I see my vision through?
Leadership The importance of Sphere of Influence The importance of Sphere of Influence You can only effect what you can effect If you have a position, effect your position If you have a post, effect your post If you have a district, effect your district If you have a department, effect your department
Leadership The importance of Sphere of Influence The importance of Sphere of Influence Do NOT get lost in the things you cannot effect!!!! Your leadership toward others should be your focus, not somebody s leadership toward you If you have the best ______, then you will earn referent power that will project you to positions of greater influence
Leadership Leadership is not about YOU! Leadership is not about YOU! When we lead, we must fall at the mercy of the needs and motivators of those we lead When we lead, we must also courageously follow by setting the example and standing unified with leaders we may disagree with There is only one message; one voice: The American Legion voice!! All leaders that speak with TAL voice will be aligned
