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COL PATRICK SWEENEY, Ph.D.UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

WEST POINT, NEW YORK

RANDALL L.TOBAIS CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCEMULTI-SECTOR FORUM

6 MARCH 2009

Background and Intent

Studies Conducted in Iraqi Combat Zone

- Prototype Study

- Theoretical Model Study

MENTAL MODEL OF A TRUSTED MENTAL MODEL OF A TRUSTED COMBAT LEADERCOMBAT LEADER

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Attribute

1. Competent

2. Loyal

3. Honest/Good Integrity

4. Leads by Example

5. Confident

6. Courageous (physical & moral)

7. Self-Control (maintains composure)

8. Shares Information

9. Personal Connection with Followers

10. Trusts Followers

MENTAL MODEL OF A TRUSTED MENTAL MODEL OF A TRUSTED SUBORDINATE COMBAT LEADERSUBORDINATE COMBAT LEADER

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Attribute

1. Competent

2. Honest/Good Integrity

3. Initiative

4. Loyal

5. Confident

6. Disciplined

7. Perseverance

8. Leads by Example

9. Courageous (Physical & Moral)

10. Self-Control (maintains composure)

MODEL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRUSTOF TRUST

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Relationship FactorRelationship Factor

- Care and respect

- Trust and empower

- Mutual influence

- Shared hardships and risks

Organization FactorOrganization Factor

- Shared values and beliefs

- Role expectations

Person Factor (Credibility) Person Factor (Credibility)

- Competence

- Character

TRUSTTRUST

LINK BETWEEN TRUST AND LINK BETWEEN TRUST AND LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIP

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“Soldiers first have to trust you to follow you. Following a leader and following orders are two different things. If they trust you and believe in you, there is nothing they will not do for you.” -Second Lieutenant, Infantry Fire Support Officer, Qayyarah West Airbase, Iraq

“Trust to me deals a lot with leadership. The more I trust a leader, the more I allow him to influence me.” –Specialist, Artillery Computer Operator, Mosul, Iraq

“The development of influence is largely a function of the development of trust.” -John Gabarro, Study of Company Presidents

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TRUST AND IMPACTFUL TRUST AND IMPACTFUL INFLUENCEINFLUENCE

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TRUSTTRUST

-Referent Power

-Expert Power

IMPACTFUL INFLUENCEIMPACTFUL INFLUENCE

-Greater willingness to accept influence -Increased motivation to complete missions and fulfill duties

-Increased openness to persuasion and learning

-Emulate leader’s behavior

OTHER OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED OTHER OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH TRUSTWITH TRUST

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- Increases individual and organizational effectiveness* Enhances problem-solving and communication

- Enhances unit morale

- Foundation for cohesion and teamwork

- Enhances perceptions of collective efficacy - Mitigates stress and stress related injuries

To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character

committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in

the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the Nation.

WEST POINT’S MISSIONWEST POINT’S MISSION

DEVELOPMENTAL DOMAINS COMPETENCE CHARACTER MILITARY HUMAN SPIRIT INTELLECTUAL MORAL-ETHICAL PHYSICAL SOCIAL

PROFESSIONAL IDENTITYWARRIORLEADER OF CHARACTERMEMBER OF PROFESSION OF ARMSSERVANT OF THE NATION

TAKE-AWAY TAKE-AWAY POINTSPOINTS

Dependencies influence attributes that develop trust

Competence is domain specific; whereas, character cuts across all domains

Cooperative interdependent relationships enhance trust

Trust is the cornerstone that allows you to exercise true and impactful leadership

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