Leadership Topic Introduction

Dear Leaders,

Good morning, afternoon, or evening.  My name is Paul Kunnas, and I have the opportunity to facilitate the leadership topic.  I'm honored to highlight leaders who are currently in the trenches leading our troops.  I'm finishing my company command opportunity, and I'm passionate about leadership.  One area of leadership that I'm particularly passionate about is "inspirational leadership".  I'm looking forward to connecting with you to discuss your leadership experiences.  I can't wait to hear from as many of you as possible in regards to how leadership has driven your experiences in command, PL, staff, training, and other key positions in the Army.  I hope to connect with and log at least one platoon leader and commander's company command and platoon leader experience from beginning to end.  I'm sorry, I haven't faithfully logged mine.  I like to think I'm a multi-tasker, but I'm more like a multi-basket.  I just hold things in until they spill over.

To encourage discussion I found an interesting article about inspirational leadership by Master Sergeant Michal M. Brosch located at:  http://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2017/October/Inspiring-Leadership/

In his article he references a book that sounds quite helpful also, " "In a book titled <em>Maverick Military Leaders The Extraordinary Battles of Washington, Nelson, Patton, Rommel, and Others</em>, the author states, “leaders who appreciate the importance of their men and morale, in turn will be entrusted by their men and will be followed to the ends of the earth or, more importantly, to the ends of their lives if necessary.” (Brosch, 2017)"

When I think of inspirational leadership I think of leaders who encourage their team to realize and enjoy their potential.  An individual Soldier's potential can be limited by leadership and other factors.  However, an inspirational leader can unlock the potential of their team to accomplish things that seemed impossible.   Do you have an experience where leadership unlocked the potential of a team to accomplish something that seemed impossible, or maybe vice versa (no names needed)?

Do you plan on taking command or a leadership role soon?  Would you be willing to log and share key developmental aspects of your experiences?