LEADERSHIP METTLE FORGED IN BATTLE

CASE STUDY SOLUTION

Q.1: Do you think leaders in military contexts exhibit the same qualities as organizational
leaders? Why or Why not?

Answer: In my point of view, leaders in military contexts and organizational leaders demonstrate the
same traits and qualities regardless of the situation or context. The Trait Theories of leadership
also indicate that all leaders share the similar qualities or attributes. Leaders generally have traits
such has self-control, decisiveness, and responsibility. Leaders who like being around people and
are able to assert themselves we call them extraverted, who are disciplined and able to keep
commitments they make we call it conscientious, and who are creative and flexible do have an
apparent advantage when it comes to leadership, suggesting good leaders do have key traits in
common. Both organizational leaders and military leaders use these traits in day to day life.

To answer the question why not, I would like to mention that, some leaders within the military
are promoted through determination in facing great danger, especially in battle or distinguished
merit. Beside, organizational leaders have different skill set that consists of tactical negotiating,
bargaining, getting things by others. Although the experience in which the military leaders
worked may, to some extent helpful in managing organizations similar to organizational leaders.
But the chance of becoming successful depends upon how they use and apply the skills they
acquired through training in organization context. Since the knowledge is completely in a
different field they may not completely acquire the same qualities as organizational leaders.

Q.2: In what ways not mentioned in the case would military leadership lessons not apply in
the private sector? What might military leaders have to re-learn to work in business?

Answer: Military leaders require gaining knowledge from Gargen’s Leader Member Exchange
Theory which emphasizes the quality of the working relationship between leaders and followers
and the levels of mutual respect. Because, in military obedience is the first duty of a soldier.
Leaders in military will not concern more about solder’s feeling. However, in company, effective

Leadership Mettle Forged In Battle | Case Solution 1

communication with employees is a very important to leaders. Leaders in military should learn to
care about employees’ emotion and feeling. Moreover, Military leader’s lessons do not apply in
the private sector which is completely a different field. Private sector consists of different types
of businesses, products, tough competitors, legal regulations and completely dynamic in nature
with rapid changes. Since military leaders are not exposed to changes frequently and does not
have any legal complications and competitors, they cannot handle situations of today’s market.
They have less market knowledge on products and services, technical aspects of products and the
concept of marketing. Therefore, military leaders have to re-learn the corporate culture and the
concepts of business. Also they need to learn the actual business process and the governing rules
and regulations and acts of business, the techniques to compete with competitors.

Q.03: Are specific types of work or situations more likely to benefit from the presence of
“battle-tested” leaders? List a few examples.

Leaders who are battle-tested can be categorized as Transformational Leaders because they can
have a dramatic effect on their followers, and are able to provide experience in times of
adversity. Organizations like time management and the ability to handle stress and accomplish
goals in a given time benefit from the presence of leaders who have battle-tested experiences.

The following situations will be handled in better way Military leaders:

• Managing a large group of employees:

Leaders from military background will perform better in manufacturing organizations like RMG.
Since military leaders are trained to manage large number of subordinates, they have high span
of control.

• Provide Security Service:

Military leaders have excellent skills to deal with emergency situations and provide service that
require professional knowledge like providing personal security, security solution for office or
property.

• To execute and monitor new procedures:

Military leaders have better understanding and control on implementing the strategy and policies.
Any such new changes can be implemented by them in a much efficient way.

Leadership Mettle Forged In Battle | Case Solution 2