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