Colonel Lee Van Arsdale has a history that is centered around 25 years of exemplary military service with such prestigious operations as the Green Berets and Delta Force. Now retired from active military duty, Arsdale currently owns a corporate consulting firm. This firm offers protection and security services to executives in need. It is his past military experience that has enabled him to move forward with his present-day business endeavor. His experience in handling stressful and dangerous situations serves as the guiding force for his own business operations. Colonel Arsdale advocates he developed his leadership capabilities through his experiences in the military. He states this skill development and growth is now serving him well within the private sector today.
Arsdale openly acknowledges there are strong similarities that exist between the world of business and the military. For instance, he indicates that each operates in an attempt to fulfill an established mission. He indicates the most valuable members of either group are those who are self-motivated, mature, and willing to accept responsibility. He also points out that a cohesive mission should drive team operations. In a typical military situation, planning is top-down; however, in this special elite force, the mission comes from the top, but the planning is done from the bottom up. Individuals operate in teams that are very independent and have few rules.
He stresses that it requires active recruiting to secure the best available members for either military or business endeavors. Colonel Arsdale staunchly believes in the achievements that can be derived through effective teamwork. Arsdale states the leader, whether military or business, must be able to effectively motivate his or her followers to realize complete success in their mission.
Which type of team best describes Lee Van Arsdale’s teams? Which leadership styles does he subscribe to, and how do they affect his team leadership?
