Leadership is often reduced to skills—how well someone speaks, plans, or manages tasks. But the Army has long understood a deeper truth:
Before leaders can do leadership (VERB), they must be leaders (NOUN).
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| https://www.ncolcoe.army.mil/News/Article/4035893/ investing-in-people-to-enhance-leadership-excellence/ |
The Army brraks leader attributes into three categories:
• Character
• Presence
• Intellect
Together, they form the foundation of effective leadership.
What Are the Army Leader Attributes?
Army Leader Attributes are the core internal qualities that influence behavior, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness. They are rooted in the Army Values (LDRSHIP) and support the Army Leadership Model, which focuses on what leaders do (Leads, Develops, Achieves).
In simple terms:
Attributes are who you are.
Competencies are what you do.
Without strong attributes, leadership actions lack credibility and consistency.
Character: The Moral and Ethical Foundation
Character is the backbone of leadership. It defines how a leader behaves when no one is watching and how they make decisions under pressure.
Character is built on several key elements.
Army Values (LDRSHIP)
The seven Army Values guide behavior and decision-making:
• Loyalty
• Duty
• Respect
• Selfless Service
• Honor
• Integrity
• Personal Courage
These values provide clarity when situations are complex or uncomfortable. They answer the question, “What is the right thing to do?”
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| Photo by Josh Calabrese on Unsplash |
Empathy
Empathy allows leaders to understand the perspectives, emotions, and experiences of others. It does not eliminate standards—it strengthens relationships and trust.
Leaders who practice empathy:
• Communicate more effectively
• Reduce conflict
• Build stronger teams
• Improve morale and performance
Warrior / Service Ethos
This reflects a deep commitment to the profession and the mission. In civilian life, this translates to pride in your role, responsibility to others, and dedication to excellence.
Discipline and Humility
Discipline is self-control—doing what needs to be done even when it’s hard.
Humility is recognizing that leadership is service, not status.
Together, they keep leaders grounded and credible.
Presence: The Impression You Make Every Day
Presence is how leaders are perceived by others. Whether intentional or not, leaders are always sending signals.
Presence includes:
Professional Bearing
This is reflected in appearance, demeanor, and conduct. It communicates seriousness, respect, and reliability.
In any profession, leaders set the tone. People notice how leaders carry themselves long before they hear what they say.
Fitness
Fitness is not just physical—it is mental and emotional readiness.
Fit leaders:
• Manage stress effectively
• Maintain energy and focus
• Remain calm under pressure
• Endure challenges without breaking
A leader who cannot sustain themselves cannot sustain a team.
Confidence and Resilience
Confidence reassures others.
Resilience keeps leaders moving forward after setbacks.
Leaders don’t need to have all the answers—but they must project stability and determination when things go wrong.
Intellect: How Leaders Think
Photo by Shahram Anhari on Unsplash
Intellect shapes how leaders understand problems and make decisions. It is the engine behind adaptability and sound judgment.
Key aspects include:
Mental Agility
The ability to think flexibly and adapt to changing conditions.
Mentally agile leaders:
• Adjust plans quickly
• Learn from mistakes
• Avoid rigid thinking
• Stay effective in uncertainty
Sound Judgment
Judgment is the ability to make timely, ethical, and effective decisions. It comes from experience, reflection, and a strong moral foundation.
Innovation
Innovation is the willingness to think creatively and improve systems. It does not mean reckless change—it means thoughtful improvement.
Interpersonal Tact
This is the ability to work with people respectfully and effectively, especially in difficult conversations.
Leaders with strong interpersonal tact build trust without sacrificing standards.
Expertise
Expertise provides credibility. Leaders must know their profession, continue learning, and remain competent in their field.
People follow leaders who know what they’re doing.
Why the Army Leader Attributes Matter
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| Photo by Kaleidico on Unsplash |
• Leads – influencing and guiding others
• Develops – building people and organizations
• Achieves – accomplishing the mission
Attributes are developed over time through experience, reflection, feedback, and intentional growth.
They enable leaders to build trust, guide teams through uncertainty, and achieve results without sacrificing character.
Final Thought
Leadership isn’t built on charisma alone. It’s built on character, presence, and intellect—qualities that show up every day, especially when things are difficult.
The Army Leader Attributes offer a clear, time-tested framework for anyone who wants to lead with integrity, confidence, and competence.
Start with who you are.
Teach. Coach. Lead.
JVD
Sources & Credits
The Army Leader Attributes are outlined in U.S. Army doctrine, including FM 6-22, Army Leadership and the Profession, which defines the Army Leadership Requirements Model and the attributes of Character, Presence, and Intellect.
This post was drafted with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) and edited by Mr. VanDusen.
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