Throughout my career in the Army, I experienced a wide range of leadership styles. We’ve all had leaders we could have worked better with; others would barely work, some were incompetent, and very few were terrific at what they did. However, all those experiences were leadership lessons that I paid attention to, which drove me to start my journey to mentorship.

Considering my many negative experiences with leaders, I had a personal decision to make. I could have decided to be a victim and let those experiences defeat me, or I could have persevered and overcome these situations. I decided to create a goal not just to be a better Army leader but to become a mentor.

When you choose to become a better person, leader, and mentor in a new civilian environment, you must also remain committed to embracing the principles of collaboration and openness. This journey will involve several critical actions to transform any leadership style and foster a thriving workplace culture.

Actively Seeking Feedback

Actively seeking feedback from colleagues and team members can be one of the most critical aspects of collaborative and open leadership. In the military, feedback often comes through formal channels and hierarchical structures. The After-Action Review is required to identify deficiencies and ensure improvements are made for future events. However, creating opportunities for open and honest dialogue is essential in a civilian setting.

When you’re looking for feedback, encourage team members to share their thoughts and opinions on various aspects of the organization, from processes and policies to leadership practices. You can obtain feedback through regular one-on-one meetings, anonymous surveys, and open forums where employees feel safe to voice their concerns without fear of retribution or backlash. To make sure the measures you use are successful, an essential skill that needs to be practiced during these feedback sessions is active listening.

By valuing and acting on feedback, you are showing a genuine interest in the perspectives of your team and your commitment to continuous improvement. Actively seeking feedback will help you grow as a leader and empower your colleagues to shape the organization actively.

Willingness to Share Information Freely

In the Army, I experienced restrictions to the flow of information, often restricted for security reasons. As I transitioned into a civilian environment, it required a significant shift in my mindset. I had to pay attention to effective leaders in the civilian world who understand the importance of transparency and its positive impact on trust and collaboration.

Sharing information freely involves informing team members about the organization’s goals, challenges, and progress. It means being open about decision-making processes and providing context for the choices made. We are all guilty of getting overwhelmed by responsibilities and forgetting to communicate something. However, remaining transparent helps build trust and ensures everyone is aligned and working towards common objectives.

Additionally, transparency about your experiences, challenges, and learning processes can humanize your leadership and increase your approachability. It creates an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and ideas, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. We are all human, and as a leader, you must ensure your team knows you are, too.

Creating a Safe Space for Ideas and Concerns

A fundamental element of collaborative and open leadership is creating a safe space where colleagues feel comfortable voicing their ideas and concerns. Let us all be honest: in the military, it was rare to have anyone in the chain of command inhibit open communication. However, the civilian workplace thrives on the free exchange of ideas. Collaboration is an essential concept that needs to be fostered within an organization.

Actively listening to team members and validating their contributions creates a safe space. This involves hearing their words and understanding the underlying emotions and motivations. Encouraging more open and honest communication while showing empathy and providing constructive feedback can pay dividends in any relationship. It is essential to use these skills when developing your leadership traits.

Moreover, it is essential to establish and uphold a culture where diverse opinions are respected and valued. You can achieve this by setting clear expectations for respectful communication and modeling this behavior in all interactions. When team members see that their ideas are taken seriously and their concerns are addressed promptly, they are more likely to engage fully and contribute to the organization’s success.

Shifting from Authority to Support

One of the most challenging but profound shifts in transitioning from the Army to civilian leadership is moving from a position of authority to one of support. In the military, leadership often involves giving orders and making decisions for the team. In a civilian setting, effective leadership is about empowering others to succeed.

Supporting my team means providing the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to achieve their goals. It involves recognizing and leveraging each team member’s or peer’s strengths and talents and helping them develop their skills and capabilities. Creating a highly motivated and high-performing team starts with focusing on their growth and development.

This shift also means being a servant leader—prioritizing the team’s needs over your own and being willing to step in and assist whenever necessary. You must possess the trait of selfless service. It requires humility and a genuine desire to see others succeed. You must be willing to make an investment in your people and continue to drive personal and professional growth. By embodying this supportive approach, a leader can build stronger relationships with their colleagues and foster a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

Conclusion

Embracing the principles of collaboration and openness is essential for becoming a better leader in a civilian environment. By actively seeking feedback, sharing information freely, creating a safe space for ideas and concerns, and shifting from authority to support, leaders can begin to cultivate an authentic leadership style that empowers others to succeed.

This transformation is about adapting to a new environment and becoming a more effective and compassionate leader. A continuous learning and growth journey leads to a more inclusive, innovative, and high-performing organization. By committing to these principles, I am confident I can positively impact and inspire others to do the same.

The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program

The MAPP provides all manners of career service to the military-affiliated students of Austin Peay State University. This population is estimated to be about one-third of its total student population.

In addition, the MAPP extends its services to all service members, veterans, military and veteran spouses, and military and veteran family members, regardless of their affiliation with Austin Peay State University.

Services can be provided virtually or in person under the MAPP. Please let us know what you need, and we will tailor our services to meet them.

Austin Peay State University’s commitment to our service members and veteran communities remains unmatched.

To take advantage of the services offered by the MAPP, contact us at,

Call or text: 931-221-7930

Email: mapp@apsu.edu

If you would like to donate to our program, visit http://give.apsu.edu/. Select Newton Military Family Resource Center Fund of Excellence. The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program falls within that category.

Austin Peay State University At APSU, we proudly serve you during your academic career. We are invested in your success and have created a division dedicated to our Military-Affiliated Students and their families. The Military and Veterans Affairs Division comprises several offices and resource centers trained to help you fully utilize your education benefits. From offering condensed 8-week courses through the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell to getting career advice from our Military-Affiliated Professionals Program, we are ready to support your success.

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