PEER LEADERSHIP: LEADING FROM THE MIDDLE

The changing nature of the operational environment has caused the emergence of unique situations that require a different approach to leadership. Specifically, within Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, Multinational (JIIM) organizations, the creation of small groups of people from diverse backgrounds with a leader that has no positional authority to influence the members of the group has become increasingly present. This monograph examines the nature of leadership in a peer environment and identifies characteristics that will enable a peer leader to influence a group. The comparison of leadership theories and approaches in conjunction with U.S. Army doctrine has identified cross cultural competence, trust, humility, and credibility as characteristics that are particularly important in a peer leadership environment.