Leader reputation: The role of mentoring, political skill, contextual learning, and adaptation

Abstract

Like organizations in other sectors, military settings can be appropriately characterized as political arenas.As such, political skill is critical for military leader effectiveness and leader reputation.This article proposes a conceptual model that articulates the roles of political skill, contextual learning, impression management, and adaptation in leader reputation development for military personnel aspiring to leadership positions. Political skill is shaped by mentoring and contextual learning experiences, which, in turn, affect the flexibility needed for making favorable impressions on others, adaptation, and fit. Implications of the proposed model for developing a more informed understanding of leader effectiveness and reputation in the military are discussed, as are directions for future research. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between the Big-Five Personality Dimensions and Political Skills with Military Staff Members’ Perceived Performance

“…Ferris et al (2005) Mintzberg's (1983) earlier concept of "political skill", referring to an individual's ability to persuade, influence and control others in order to be effective. Although political skill may seem similar to social skill, Blass and Ferris (2007) point out that the distinction lies in political skill's ability to go beyond the basic parameters of the competency in communication, ease and comfort that social skill entails to an individual managing his/her interactions with others in a way that leads to organizational goal accomplishment (Blass & Ferris, 2007;Perrewe, Young, & Blass, 2002). Specific to performance, PSI has been demonstrated as a robust predictor of work outcomes, including job performance .…”

“…Therefore, both team and individuals' performance is examined, scrutinized and continuously developed in order to increase overall staff effectivity. Hard factors such as routines, training exercises and procedures have traditionally been focused upon for military performance development; however, an increased interest on soft factors such as leadership styles, interpersonal skills, social effectivity and personality has become increasingly important (Blass & Ferris, 2007;Bartone, Eid, Johnsen, Larberg, & Snook, 2009;Laker & Powell, 2011;Ohlsson, Hedlund, & Larsson, 2016).…”

Guan-Xi, Loyalty, Contribution and ‘Speak-Up Behavior: The Role of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) as Mediator and Political Skill as Moderator

“…People high in political tendencies score somewhat higher in self-esteem, thus are more confident that they can control the processes and outcomes of their interactions with others (Perrewe et al 2005) than those who have low political skill. Politically skilled individuals are keenly attuned to diverse social situations in instances of low quality LMX with their supervisors, and have an engaging personal style that facilitates their ability to influence others (Blass and Ferris, 2007). Thus, political skill serves as a mitigating factor which may help to facilitate an employee"s ability to "speak-up" even in cases of low quality relationship shared between the employee and the supervisor.…”

To Be or Not To Be"...Perceived Benefits of Mentoring In the United States Air Force"

“…In time, the official and unofficial protégés of today's USAF become the mentors of tomorrow. As protégés become mentors and find themselves in positions of influence, it follows that they will wield social influence and power (Blass & Ferris, 2007). AFPD 36-34 (2000) designates (Blass & Ferris, 2007).…”

“…As protégés become mentors and find themselves in positions of influence, it follows that they will wield social influence and power (Blass & Ferris, 2007). AFPD 36-34 (2000) designates (Blass & Ferris, 2007). This passing of the torch ensures a passing of culture between generations of Airmen.…”