Military Leadership Competencies and the Mission Command Approach

Abstract

Adequate responses – both from individuals and from organizations – to the increasingly complex challenges of the 21st century presuppose a combination of such leadership competencies that are essential for effectively and successfully executing tasks in the changing security and operational environment. Creating the network environment that characterizes today’s operations (also at the tactical leadership level) increases the responsibility of the commander. The increasingly complex operational environment demands that decentralization must be emphasized in the decision making process and in the conduct of operations. Furthermore, the fleeting opportunities in emerging tactical situations also require quick reactions and timely and correct decisions by small unit leaders. The paper provides a short, summary analysis of leadership competencies, capabilities and skills that are necessary for the mission command approach.