Leaders are not born but rather forged from experience. This simple fact is why the Army has invested so much in training and educating its future leaders. The Army leadership requirements model (LRM) identifies core competencies and attributes that are needed by every leader regardless of rank or position. The BE, KNOW, DO framework is a foundational concept that underscores the holistic nature of leadership, combining personal qualities, professional expertise and decisive action. Using this model, personnel can begin to understand what a leader is through the attributes – BE and KNOW, and what a leader does through the competencies – DO. When an organization invests in their leaders through leader professional development (LPD) programs, the LRM becomes the foundation for developing and guiding leadership growth to better prepare personnel for situations they are likely to encounter.
Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Harrison, Deputy Director of Training and Education at the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence (NCOLCoE) said, “the LPD program evolves annually to address the needs of the organization and prioritizes the development of leadership traits and skills that will help NCOLCoE perform its mission at a high level.” The focus this fiscal year is on team building with lessons on communication, trust and identifying and preventing burn out. “The LPD program’s emphasis ensures that leaders can promote a culture of mentorship where others are motivated, supported, and prepared for future roles,” added Harrison.
However, an organization’s LPD program is most effective when its employees take full advantage of personal development opportunities. At the NCOLCoE, the Faculty and Staff Development Office (FSDO) hosts numerous courses that foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth such as, the Common Faculty Development-Instructor Course, Training and Education Middle Managers Course and the Career Long Assessment Coaching Workshop. “Personal development encourages continuous improvement for leaders to assess their strengths and weaknesses, set goals and seek feedback. It also enables our leaders to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth,” commented Sgt. Maj. Jeffery DeLay, Chief Instructor for the FSDO.
The NCOLCoE also uses agencies on Fort Bliss to enhance its LPD program. In December 2024, the Ready and Resilient (R2) Performance Center delivered a training session which aligned with this year’s focus on team building and communication. During the lesson, there was a learning activity that helped to illustrate the impact of effective communication skills when interacting with different sections in the organization. Kody Clements, Master Resilience Trainer – Performance Expert II at the R2 Performance Center highlights, “research supports that experiential learning is going to be more impactful and help people remember more of the training.”
As experts in sport performance psychology, the R2 Performance Center has the ability to provide services to all active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, spouses, dependents and Army civilian professionals free of charge. “Everyone that works at the center is deeply passionate about trying to improve the lives of Soldiers and their Families,” stressed Clements.
The NCOLCoE’s LPD program aims to contribute to well-rounded, adaptive leaders which ensure not only the organization’s success, but that the Army remains a model of excellence and adaptability for years to come.
To find your nearest R2 Performance Center visit https://www.armyresilience.army.mil. For more information on the Fort Bliss, Texas R2 Performance Center and the services it has to offer call (915) 568-6684 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ftblissr2pc/.
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