The Skills Approach to leadership is, for me, a familiar one, though not for the reasons that one might think. Certainly, an exploration into a leadership approach built on military studies and ideals is one that holds a special place. Military members are expected not only to discover, foster, and maintain the skills and competencies found in Katz (1955) and the Department of Defense’s (1990s) studies, but to move forward and expand upon them, taking on the roles of both student and mentor as they obtain greater levels of skill and knowledge. Rank and awards are given as signs of esteem to military members who obtain new or greater skills, or who show that they are willing to go beyond what is mandated to improve themselves. Mentorship programs put in place ensure continuing education and enforce the mentality of motivation within an operating force.
My first introduction to the skills approach was not, however, through the military. Tradesmen, or that is to say, people who engage in trades such as construction, electricity, plumbing, welding, and a variety of other trades, have operated under much the same mentality for generations. Tradesmen and women are employed based upon the skills they possess, and only the best in each field continue to obtain employment. The electrician who has worked for years, learning and maintaining their certifications and licenses to work on certain equipment or in certain environments. He is continually learning and teaching, taking the place of the mentor and the mentee in ensuring the continuation of both business practices and quality.
dxt5155 says
The relationship of mentorship to leadership is such a great example of how the world runs. Although we can learn through formal education, most jobs will still require some mentorship and if not required should be encouraged. Mentorship in itself is a skill not all people have but can learn.
The specialized trades are great examples of leadership that rely on mentorship. Looking at journeymen and apprenticeship programs are good examples of opportunities where one person or persons help to educate and cultivate anthers’ learning experience with mentorship. I appreciate how you have tied this together for us.
Shannon O'connor Bock says
This was a thought provoking approach to the skills model. As you mentioned the Dept. of Defense initiated the study that led to the findings which founded the skills based model by Mumford, Zacaro, Harding, et al. so the military is entrenched n the leadership models.
The foundational application of this model at the tradesmen level was important because it shows the adaptability of the model. Leadership is leadership regardless of the trade, the same principles and theories apply. One still needs technical, human and conceptual skills regardless of their trade. This example brings that to light.