Development of a Computer-based Instructional System for Training Interpersonal Competencies in Junior Leaders

"Current and anticipated changes in the military operating environment argue for new leader training models and tools. Studies of the future military operating environment predict that such officers will need to be more effective in unit leadership, intheir problem solving activities, more adaptive, and more autonomous in their decision-making. These anticipated changes in performance requirements mean that particular personal attributes in addition to those currently specified by military doctrinewill be instrumental for leader effectiveness and need to be the focus of current and future leader development efforts.The intent of the proposed Phase II research effort is to advance the development a computer-based internet-accessible leader training system that targets key leader attributes and adaptability skills likely to be crucial for the effectiveness of juniorofficers in the Air Force. A key transition point in a leader's career occurs when he or she is assigned command of a unit with the responsibility of defining the goals for a unit's activities, and facilitating the accomplishment of these goals by unitmembers. In Phase I, a feasible program of instruction was developed and relevant software specifications were identified. The Phase II effort will build and validate the Leader Interpersonal Skills Training System (LISTS). This training system isexpected to have wide applicability for the training of military and business