Imagine a tree. When you look at its trunk and branches, it may look quite strong. But what matters most is actually below the ground. Strong roots are the key to a strong, healthy tree.
The same can be said for leaders, said Major Enrique Azuaje, territorial personnel projects officer, who has created a new Intrapersonal Exemplary Leadership course for Spanish-speaking officers in the Central Territory. The continuing education class debuted earlier this year.
“The ‘roots’ make a difference—they are a person’s consciousness, spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence—the hidden areas of a leader that are profound, invisible,” Major Enrique said. “That is the focus of this course. How they can develop those qualities that are deep within them. If they don’t have strong ‘roots,’ they need to fertilize and take care of them.”
The major commented that many Hispanic officers are coming into the Army from different backgrounds. “It is important they understand the international movement, so we talk the same language. And it’s important to know the context of leadership development in the U.S. This course is aligned with The Salvation Army mission,” Major Enrique said. “And it embellishes what people learn at the College for Officer Training (CFOT).”
The goal is to help officers cultivate habits that bring leadership and faith together to transform them and the organization, he explained.
Eight students took the six-week course in February and March via Teams. Each week different leadership themes such as empowerment, joy, inspiration or resilience were examined through discussion groups, chat channels and other interactive Teams activities.
Lt. Maria Medina Cusack, Chicago Midway Citadel, Ill., corps officer, says she was eager to take the course because she feels true leadership begins within oneself.
“Understanding that, knowing myself, my strengths and weaknesses, my relationship with God, will help me lead others with love, wisdom, vision, humility and integrity with purpose and authenticity,” Lt. Maria said. “I want to always be guided by God’s principles, purpose and revelation for my life.”
The course looks at the pillars of exemplary leadership, intrapersonal, managerial and organizational, but also the spiritual aspect.
“It equips officers with practical skills but also emphasizes the spiritual and relational foundation of their leadership,” Major Enrique said. “Leadership has foundation in spiritual disciplines, a deep reliance on God’s guidance to make ethical decisions and foster transformation.”
While taking the course, Major Yaneth Scott, Milwaukee Cold Spring, Wis., corps officer, said, “I believe that effective leadership requires a solid foundation of self-awareness and self-management. I sincerely believe that this course will enhance my ability to influence my appointment, especially as I have come to a new country.”
Major Enrique has been grateful for the input and support of Lt. Colonel Darlene Harvey, territorial officer resource and development secretary; Rob DeGeorge, manager, officer resource and development department; Dietrich Hunter, educational services supervisor at the CFOT; and Pantaleon Martinez, a technician in the IT department at Central Territorial Headquarters.
Lt. Colonel Darlene said although the first cohort was in Spanish, her department hopes to offer it in English in the future.
“I am so thankful for how God has brought this course together,” she said. “Because it has been taught online, it has offered flexibility for officers all over the territory the opportunity to network. We are pleased with the feedback we have received that the course is beneficial, practical, and building capacity for officers in the field.”
For more information about this course, contact your command leader for officer development or the officer resource and development department.