Bridging the Chasm: An Examination of Operational vs. Strategic Leadership Requirements for National Guard Executive Leaders

December 3, 2025

Bridging the Chasm: An Examination of Operational vs. Strategic Leadership Requirements for National Guard Executive Leaders

James P. Foot | 2015

Abstract

Historically, leaders in National Guard organizations have risen to executive level positions from the ranks with little or no understanding of the need to lead differently as executive level leaders. A decidedly different leadership perspective is required when leaders move from Directorate level (governance board) positions to senior executive level positions (CEO and his/her direct reports). In the active component (U.S. Army) there are several opportunities for senior leaders to gain experience in leading strategically at the executive level. In the reserve components (National Guard and Army Reserve) however, there are few, if any schools, courses or preparatory assignments that provide the same opportunities.

This project focuses on leadership characteristics of executive level leaders and the skills necessary for leading at the executive level. Focusing on the transition from operational to strategic perspectives, this 3 day seminar leads attendees through this journey in 4 primary areas each as a separate module:

Module 1 focuses on executive leadership styles. During this module attendees are presented with the challenges of adjusting their leadership perspectives from operational to strategic, from managing to inspiring, and from being agents of change to designers of change.
Module 2 focuses on the development of a strategic focus. During this module attendees are exposed to rigors of developing a truly inspirational vision and how to expand awareness within their organizations of its future operational environment.
Module 3 focuses on aligning the organization’s structure to better support the leader’s vision. During this module attendees are challenged to explore the necessity for changing organizational structures to better address the vision and create an environment to support strategic thinking. Additionally, attendees are exposed to techniques for analyzing and changing organizational cultures to better align with the vision.
Module 4 focuses on the development of foresight skills through the use of driving forces analysis, identification and management of strategic issues and the development of future scenarios to help shape the organization’s strategic initiatives.

The value of this seminar lies in raising the awareness of future leaders of their need to shift their leadership approaches from the present to the future.

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