Tactical Leadership vs Organizational Leadership

Tactical Leadership vs Organizational Leadership Walter Trotter United States Army Sergeant Major Academy Class 63 SGM Stephens/MS Walker August 19, 2012 Tactical Leadership VS Organizational Leadership There are certain things that you need to know as a leader, I will explain some of the differences facts and opinions about tactical leadership verse organization leadership. Leadership is not just a word or act that is use only in the military, every organization in the world has some type of leadership structure from the small business to the biggest cooperation leadership plays an important roles.

I will discuss some of the similarities between the tactical and organizational leadership as it relates to the Army. When we think of leadership in the Army we automatic think of the process of influencing soldiers to accomplish a mission by providing directions, purpose and motivation, but when dealing with tactical or organizational leadership a leader has to think about a different role and take into account the time frame and how they are going to influence their soldiers.

Even thought there are several different types’ leadership the main goal is always going to be the same, and that is to get the mission done and try to improve upon the unit and its capabilities. We all know how the Army defines leadership but there are other things we have to take into account, like a bad decision can cause soldiers their lives. I do believe that tactical and organizational leadership are the same in some ways but depending on the role can be different. Tactical Leadership First, let’s talk about the tactical side.

As we know there are three aspects in this process, the leadership role, the time frame and the leaders influence. One of the first things is that in order to be affective you have to be in front of your soldiers, you must have your subordinates trust, you must have a level of tactical and technical knowledge that is unmatched by anyone around you and have a wiliness to help and support your soldiers or they will not follow you. On the tactical side a leader has to lead, support develop and take responsible for his soldiers in order to accomplish his/her mission.

As an effective leader one has to be especially close to their subordinates in order to provide them with the necessary purpose, direction and motivation to complete their assigned task. The tactical level is usually found at the company or platoon level, this leader is always looking to accomplish the short term goals in support of the long term mission. Tactical leaders must know how to solve problems quickly and without hesitation, they have more direct influence over soldiers because they are in the trenches with them.

At this stage the leader has to council, correct and led their soldiers through the direct approach of leadership. Organization leadership This leadership style is where the leader actually has to plan and synchronize training in order that the small units are able to produce the tactical into the operational action. At the organization level a leader is not in a traditional leadership position when they are directly in charge of soldiers. Leaders in this style are the one whom establish section that develop plans and create orders.

When a result is achieved at this level the entire team is responsibility for the outcome. Organizational leaders make decision that affect the long term goal and helps plan the short term mission for their subordinate units. The tactical and organization leadership styles have some very different level of leadership but the one thing that will never change between the two especially in the Army is the fact that you must have a good set of standard to follow, have good values and skill sets to save lives. Reference FM 6-22. (2006). U. S. Army Training and Doctrine Command