Happy birthday, Army; raise your situational awareness, and a taste of boot camp
Every two weeks we’ll give you three communication tips. If you find them valuable, please invite someone else to subscribe to this newsletter.
On June 14, 1775 as the independence crisis grew in British North America, the Continental Congress established what we now know as the US Army.
“Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia… [and] as soon as completed, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army.”
My Army service has taught me countless communication lessons.
Culture is a function of communication
Leaders at every level get to decide what their team culture is by communicating it. Here are four things you can do to influence culture:
- Explicitly describe the culture.
- Remind team members of culture and values
- Build values and culture statements into practice
- Reward members for demonstrating values and exemplifying good cultural practices.
Learn how the Army sought to embed values into its culture after the Cold War.
And happy birthday Army!
Effective leaders get others talking
Noncommissioned officers in the Army contribute to mission success by facilitating communication. One technique is the daily team huddle to raise “situational awareness.”
A member of the 1st Cavalry Division, Master Sgt. Elijah Plante and his team operate under the mantra, “Who Else Needs to Know?” — a phrase that is posted around the operations center he is in charge of.
“It’s a great tool, especially in an operations center,” says Plante.
The phrase forces personnel to develop the habit of thinking about how to keep everyone informed, and who might benefit from changes and new information.
Struggle leads to growth, and the Army supplies lots
Just for fun (remember it’s the Army’s birthday!) Trying something new leads to learning and growth, but can be uncomfortable as heck. Like when a 30-year-old high school math teacher enlists in the Army.
Read the first-hand account of a math teacher-turned-soldier.
