A Reflection On Leadership: A Comparative Analysis Of Military And Civilian Approaches

Authors

  • Bernd Horn CANSOFCOM Professional Development Centre

Abstract

Leadership is difficult. Similar to any endeavour that involves human interaction it is mired in the complexities of human behaviour, motivation and personality. Leadership is not a one size fits all activity. It is dependent on the approach and personality of the leader, on those being led, as well as the respective situation and circumstance. While everyone appreciates strong leadership, finding true, inspirational leaders is not all that easy or common whether in the military, public or private sector. Importantly, military and civilian leaders each bring their own strengths and weaknesses to bear and a lot can be learned by examining both styles concomitantly.

Author Biography

  • Bernd Horn, CANSOFCOM Professional Development Centre
    Colonel Horn retired from the Regular Force
    in September 2013 and is currently a parttime
    reservist and heads the CANSOFCOM
    Professional Development Centre.
    He began his military career with the
    Highland Fusiliers of Canada in 1981. After
    graduating from the University of Waterloo in
    1983, he joined the Regular Force, specifically
    as an infantry officer in The Royal Canadian
    Regiment.
    Dr. Horn is also an adjunct professor
    of history at the Royal Military College
    of Canada. His final assignment before
    retirement was as the Chief of Staff Strategic
    Training and Education Programs at the
    Canadian Defence Academy in Kingston,
    Ontario.
    Colonel Horn is also a renowned author
    and scholar who has authored, co-authored,
    edited or co-edited 38 books and in excess of
    100 chapters and articles on military history
    and military affairs.

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Published

2014-06-02

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3

Section

The Ross Ellis Lecture in Military and Strategic Studies