CLES hones cadet leadership skills

By Maj. Brett J. Gooden
Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership

Maj. Chris Hays, '92, of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, guides a discussion on motivation among Cadet first group commanders.

Cadets selected for a command position or chosen as the captain of an intercollegiate athletic team hold positions of prestige, but also shoulder the responsibilities that accompany their leadership roles.

The Cadet Commanders' Leadership Enrichment Seminar, or CLES, held Feb. 2 and 3, helped them meet future challenges.

Presented by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership and sponsored by the Association of Graduates, the seminar has been a fixture every semester since the mid-80s. Prior to CLES, cadets assumed command with little or no preparation. The program enables cadet squadron, group, wing commanders and team captains to move into their positions with more confidence and the tools to perform well.

The two-day executive leadership event engages cadets through topic presentations, group activities and facilitated discussions on motivation, verbal and nonverbal communication, creative problem solving and ethics. The conversations among the small groups, however, are the most important part of the seminar in terms of long-lasting learning.

"Our facilitators have a passion for leadership and character development and effectively use their time with the cadets to help equip and prepare them to lead from the front and make a significant impact on those they are leading," said Lt. Col. Mark Jordan, Director of Leadership Programs, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership.

In addition to the offsite experience, CLES includes a unique individual assessment for each commander and team captain at midsemester. This 360-degree assessment allows each cadet to receive valuable feedback from his or her peers, subordinates and supervisors after having put the CLES tools they've been equipped with into practice.
The assessment and seminar together provide an invaluable tool kit to team captains and particularly those selected for command.

"Squadron command at any level is both a rewarding and challenging commitment. It is the highlight of a military
career," said Col. Gary Packard, Professor and head, department of behavioral sciences and leadership. "CLES enables our cadet commanders to succeed in their first command experience by giving them the tools and attitudes they need to do their best."