By: 1SG Heller, B., Alpha Co., 2BN, 10th Inf. Reg., FLW
In today's dynamic environment, command team leadership is emerging as a key approach for agility and flexibility in combat leadership. At a time when the agile leader is indispensable, team leadership challenges traditional leadership models and paves the way for new, collaborative methods. At the forefront of this development is the Company Commander and First Sergeant, two visionary leaders.
Strength in Numbers
“Soldiers will not follow any battle leader with confidence unless they know that he will require full performance of duty from every member of the team.” – GEN Dwight Eisenhower
In today’s current military circumstances, command team leadership is not just a passing trend; it marks a significant change in how leadership is approached. Pairing two leaders with similar goals and values can often be more effective than relying on a single leader. An excellent example is the partnership between the Company Commander and the First Sergeant. Their collaboration in co-leadership roles demonstrates how combining different strengths and viewpoints can result in more innovative and effective leadership.
Moving from an 'I' to a 'we' mindset in leadership goes beyond just changing our thinking – it's a fundamental change in how an organization functions. In modern workplaces, which involve complex relationships and tasks, success depends on collaboration and the team's shared knowledge.
Co-leadership focuses on embracing a shared vision and working together to overcome challenges rather than just dividing tasks. This approach is essential for building combat elements that are adaptable, dynamic, and ready to tackle the challenges of today’s combat environment.
Looking at the experiences of a Company Commander and First Sergeant provides clear examples of a leadership team in practice. Their partnership demonstrates how blending different perspectives can improve decision-making and spark innovation. Their leadership approach shows how a leadership team can transform organizations, making them more resilient and ready for future missions and challenges.
Leadership Supports Agility and Flexibility
“Effective leaders are made, not born. They learn trial and error, and from experience.” – Ret. GEN Collen Powell
This statement highlights how leadership teams collaborate in stable and high-risk settings, where uncertainty is prevalent, and adaptability is crucial. The command team leadership model thrives in these situations by combining diverse perspectives in decision-making, which enhances their collective ability to adjust and fulfill their mission.
This leadership style is vital for building a culture where everyone takes responsibility for the mission. In today's fast-moving environments, where teamwork and collaboration matter most, senior leaders help drive continuous improvement of ideas and strategies. Command teams led this way often demonstrate greater engagement, creativity, and resilience—traits essential for overcoming hostile environments' challenges and complexities. In summary, the company command leadership team fosters innovation and adaptability, aligning to an agile approach that makes work effective and enjoyable.
A Leadership Team Empowers their Soldiers
“"Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away." – Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale.”
This insight demonstrates how a command team can improve a company’s team dynamics and foster innovation. Their servant leadership approach supports balanced decision-making by encouraging leaders with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to collaborate.
Shared responsibility, a vital aspect of a Soldier’s servant leadership kitbag, helps manage stress better and ensures that work is fairly distributed. This approach improves job satisfaction and lowers the chances of burnout.
The leadership team's collaborative approach combines different perspectives and strategies, fostering an adaptable and resilient organizational culture. In a constantly changing and uncertain world, developing this culture is key to the long-term success of any combat element.
Navigating Difficult Terrain
“The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it." – General Norman Schwarzkopf.
Self-reflection plays a key role in leadership but often involves facing challenges. These challenges include balancing responsibilities and maintaining clear communication, especially in leadership structures with multiple leaders. However, regular and open communication within the command team can make these challenges more manageable.
A strong leadership team fosters a dynamic environment that promotes creativity and innovation. Combining different problem-solving skills makes this approach increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced and complex world of conflict. Servant leaders must continuously adapt, learn, and engage in self-reflection. This process begins with honesty and understanding of their values, which helps align goals and unify strategies.
Effective leadership focuses on growing together, overcoming challenges, and utilizing each leader's individual strengths. It starts with self-awareness and develops into a solid, collaborative team effort.
Promote Two Way Communication
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity. – Nat Turner”
For a command leadership team to succeed in any organization, creating an environment built on open communication, trust, and shared values is crucial. A critical step in this process is clearly defining each leader's role. Leaders must recognize and respect each other's strengths and boundaries to maintain a balanced approach. Regular feedback is essential for staying aligned and resolving issues promptly. A unified vision ensures both leaders focus on common goals, even with different methods or viewpoints.
Effective leadership starts with clear communication. It helps align leaders and ensures the team and stakeholders stay informed and engaged. This type of communication fosters a culture of openness and trust, which is essential for navigating shared leadership challenges.
The Company Commander and First Sergeant show how creating a culture of open communication helps a leadership model tackle challenges and use both leaders' strengths to benefit the organization. This article highlights how proactive communication within the command team leadership structure can lead to powerful and transformative results.
Outstanding Leadership
Outstanding leadership is about inspiring, motivating, and empowering those around you. Strong leaders set an example, communicate effectively, and make decisions with confidence and honesty. They have a clear vision, embrace change, and care deeply about their team’s well-being. To become an exceptional leader, focus on improving yourself, actively seek feedback, and foster a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. Authentic leadership isn’t about titles or positions—it’s about creating a meaningful impact and helping others achieve their best.
The Future of the Command Leadership Team
The experiences of a Company Commander and First Sergeant throughout military history, backed by evidence, point to a lasting future for company command team leadership. This model is not just a passing trend; it has become a proven strategy in today’s fast-paced work environments. It represents a shift toward a culture where collaboration and shared vision drive innovative leadership.
As adaptable and flexible leaders, it's our responsibility to actively lead change and foster environments where, alongside another strong leader, we can make a real impact. In the future, leadership teams will likely consist of more integrated groups focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration, continuous feedback, and ongoing learning. These teams will need to adjust quickly to modern warfare's rapid pace and complexity.
As current or future leaders, we must ask ourselves how to support this growth. How can we prepare our teams and organizations for team leadership's collaborative and transformative impact? The answers are found in our willingness to embrace change, our commitment to continuous learning, and our vision of a workplace where shared leadership is the standard, driving innovation and success.
