How does the Army define leadership?

The Army defines leadership as a process of influencing people toward mission accomplishment because it emphasizes the critical role leaders play in guiding others to achieve specific goals. This definition highlights the interpersonal aspect of leadership, where effective leaders inspire and motivate their subordinates, helping them understand their roles in the mission.

Leadership is not solely about managing tasks or resources; it involves fostering a positive environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to work toward a common purpose. The ability to influence is key—it encompasses building trust, providing direction, and empowering team members to take initiative, all aimed at successful mission execution. This understanding places focus on the human element of leadership, differentiating it from mere administration or task delegation, which are important but do not encompass the essence of leadership in the military context.