Set the Example

Setting a good ethical example does not necessarily mean subordinates will follow it. Some may feel
that circumstance justifies unethical behavior. Therefore, the leader must constantly monitor the
organization’s ethical climate and take prompt action to correct any discrepancies between the climate and
the standard. To effectively monitor organizational climates, leaders can use a periodic Ethical Climate
Assessment Survey combined with a focused leader plan of action as follows:

• Begin the plan of action by assessing the unit. Observe, interact, and gather feedback from others, or conduct formal assessments of the workplace.
• Analyze gathered information to identify what needs improvement. After identifying what needs improvement, begin developing courses of action to make the improvements.
• Develop a plan of action. First, develop and consider several possible courses of action to correct identified weaknesses. Gather important information, assess the limitations and risks associated with the various courses, identify available key personnel and resources, and verify facts and assumptions. 
• Attempt to predict the outcome for each possible course of action. Based on predictions, select several leader actions to deal with target issues.
• Execute the plan of action by educating, training, or counseling subordinates; instituting new policies or procedures; and revising or enforcing proper systems of rewards and punishment.

The organization moves towards excellence by improving substandard or weak areas and
maintaining conditions that meet or exceed the standard. Finally, periodically reassess the unit to
identify new matters of concern or to evaluate the effectiveness of the leader actions.

Army Leadership From an Army Physical Readiness Point of View

Leadership

“The American Soldier…demands professional competence in his leaders in battle; he wants

to know that the job is going to be done right, with no unnecessary casualties. The

noncommissioned officer wearing the chevron is supposed to be the best Soldier in the

platoon, and he is supposed to know how to perform all duties expected of him. The American

Soldier expects his sergeant to be able to teach him how to do his job, and expects even more

from his officers.”

General of the Army Omar N. Bradley

Throughout history, the Army has had confident leaders of character and competence.

Leaders develop through a dynamic process consisting of three equally important training

domains: operational, institutional and self-development IAW AR 350-1. The process

incorporating these domains provides the following key leadership elements:

fundamental military specialty experience; education that instills key competencies;

personal and professional development goals that enable leaders to develop the skills and

the knowledge and attitudes needed for success. Leaders at all levels should understand

that physical readiness training (PRT) improves Soldier resiliency which is a vital

component of a combat-ready force. This chapter addresses the importance of leadership

as it applies to PRT.