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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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Municipal Monitor 31