Municipal Monitor Q1 2017 | Page 33

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10 . Keep your soldiers informed of the mission , the changing situation and the overall picture .
These principles may seem to be useful only to the military . However , if one moves past the military jargon and looks at the root intent of each , it becomes apparent how they can be applied to a variety of organizations . This can be achieved by simply replacing the word “ soldiers ” with “ staff ” and rereading the principles .
Through all levels of military leadership training , the principles are set as the focal point . Great lengths are taken to instil them as the core concepts upon which all other training is developed . This ensures that all leadership training is progressive and interrelated . While all leaders in the CF are trained to memorize each one in detail , some carry the written principles on them at all times for quick reference . With careers that span years or even decades , it would be far too easy for a high level of training to be forgotten without constant refresher instruction , which would put a huge burden on the entire organization ’ s productivity . Ingraining these principles into the organization ’ s very culture provides for a consistent focus and each point quickly reminds the individual of the detailed concepts on which it is based . This means that the training will carry more effectively through an entire career rather than be forgotten .
In order to understand how military leadership principles can be transferred to municipal environments , it is important to consider the differences and similarities with which these organizations operate today . Hollywood has done the military no favours in showing the general public what day-to-day life is like in the forces . The reality is that fewer military personnel live on bases , the ratio of support trades has ballooned compared to dedicated combat soldiers , many military personnel now work in office environments , and civilian personnel who work alongside soldiers augment many military forces . These administrative environments have striking similarities to those of corporations and government agencies .
As a testament to its effectiveness , significant portions of the CF leadership training program have made their way into many corporate and private training plans through migrating personnel . However , few recognize , or give proper credit to , the true origins of many of these programs . Examples of this knowledge transfer include mission statements and strategic
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