Empowerment: A 21st Century Critical Leader Core Competency

摘要

Our Army does not fully espouse, exercise or integrate empowerment into leadership practices and leader developmental processes, as a result we are not maximizing the full potential of leaders at all levels. This issue is critical due to the fact that the current and emerging nature of conflict in the 21st century requires leaders that are multifaceted, agile, and adaptive. Army leaders at all levels must be capable of executing decentralized operations for extended periods with no direct oversight and possess the talent and skills to lead across the full spectrum of conflict. Given this situation the concept of empowerment emerges as a critical leader core competency in the 21st century and highlights the need for the Army to modify the officer education system, doctrine and re examine certain aspects of our culture that constrain empowerment. This paper provides recommendations for the Army to consider in addressing these issues and seeks to assist senior leaders in preparing subordinates for the challenges associated with leading Soldiers in the 21st century.