The US Military, Case Study Example

Introduction

The case is about the US military who have to train its allies at Honduras. The first mission of mobile training team (MTT) was failed. They have found that language and cultural difference are the key issues in the failure of first mission. The second mission was led by Captain Anderson and include two officers, Sanchez and one another officer, who knew Spanish. Following are five ways the leadership have effectively tackle the challenges.

Model the Way

Sanchez set the example by his action. The first team was failed due to the language and culture problems. However, Sanchez solved this problem by understanding the culture and speaking in Spanish with Honduras officers. He showed that leader should have to speak to their follower which they can understand. Sanchez provided the way to U.S team which assisted in providing training to the officers

Enable other to Act

In the case mention, Sanchez involved with the Honduras officers and provided the training in such a way that best suited the officers. This helped in building trust and collaboration of Sanchez with other officer. By doing so, Sanchez strengthen confidence and courage in the officer during their training.

Inspired a shared Vision

Shared vision is the vision of all team members, where each team member has to leave his individual vision and follow the vision shared by the whole team. If you cannot convey your vision, mission and strategies to achieve that vision, then share vision cannot be achieved. For making a good vision one have to look at past, attend the present then forecast for the future (Barnes, 2014).  Mission 1of the mobile training teams (MTT) was failed, they identified that difference in culture and language in barriers are the big hurdles. These obstacles in the success of USA military, were not targeted in the first mission. Then Sanchez had suggested to train them in their own native language and lessen the cultural barriers, so that they could better understand what USA military wanted to convey them.

Challenge the Way

Leaders search for opportunities to make a difference. They have to look for innovative ways to improve the organization (Kouzes & Posner, 2012). Here in the case the Sanchez have to adopt innovative ways to succeed his mission. He uses Spanish language, mold himself in the Honduran military culture in such a way that even Captain criticized him to be part of their Army. Even USA military commander does not accept opinion about making or enforcing order. But, in the case commanders have to listen to their opinions to success the mission of trained them against the communist government in Nicaragua.

Encourage the Heart

Encouragement of keep determination and hope alive, leaders always recognize the individual contribution in the task completion. In the case study, despite the local issues in Mobile Training team the top management within USAF always appreciated the team efforts. Captain Anderson also had given full support and appreciation to Sanchez and other Spanish speaking officer just to encourage them in the public.

Conclusion

The first mission of Mobile Training Team (MTT) was failed to train their allies because of the several language, cultural and leadership challenges. The members of second MTT mission have understood the challenges to leadership and then adopted innovative ways to tackle these challenges. The leaders modeled the new way to achieve their goal, enabled this plan in action, implement a shared vision, accept all the challenges and encourage team members to achieve their goal.

References

Barnes, C. (2014, April 17). Inspire a shared value. Retrieved from http://www.leadershipchallenge.com: http://www.leadershipchallenge.com/Leaders-Section-Articles-Stories-Detail/inspire-a-shared-vision-start-with-a-personal-vision.aspx

Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2012). The leadership challenge : how to make extraordinary things happen in organizations. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.