Thoughts on Leader Development

The post “We’re Developing the Wrong Leaders” made me think of a conversation I had once with a brigade commander that went something like this. The colonel asked, “Who should you focus on in regards to leader development?” My initial response was to say the lower portion of my middle third/bottom third. I reasoned that the top third was relatively good already and that I wanted to bring the whole group up to the same standard. The O-6 suggested that the top third was the group where you could benefit the Army the most for a couple reasons.

1. The top third can, and should, peer-assist the rest of the group. We should always encourage this to happen, and observing this is an indicator of leadership potential.
2. If the top third is not challenged, you have the potential to lose their interest, and they might get out.
3. The top third is likely to be in the next cohort of leaders, so we need to prepare them for that.

This does not suggest the top third is the only group that gets your attention, that would be wrong as well. Like all things, it is a balance. However, it makes you think.

So I’ll ask in closing, “Where should we focus our leader development?”

I’d love to hear your thoughts and responses.