Ex-Serviceman Shares Leadership Lessons from Iraq with Local Business Associations

Robert Johnson, Ph.D., of Barger, Cowart & Kenney, LLC (BCK), an Atlanta-based corporate psychology and management consulting firm, speaks before members of local business associations on leadership lessons from Iraq and how they apply to the business world.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 3, 2005 -- Addressing members of the Lilburn Business Association in October, Dr. Johnson spoke of his experiences during a year long deployment in Iraq, where he served as Chief of Combat Stress Control Services with the 1st Infantry Division. It was during this tour that Dr. Johnson and fellow serviceman, Corporal Ramon Stevenson, surveyed over 3000 soldiers on issues related to morale.

The results of this process and their practical application to the business world were the focus of his presentation—highlighting the differences between high-morale and low-morale units, and the personality characteristics associated with leaders of those units. “Differences in morale can be detected across units,” stated Dr. Johnson, “and are not attributable to mission, unit size, or deployment location—the source of the difference is leadership.”

Emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people, Dr. Johnson shared his insights on traits and characteristics of high-morale leaders, and current methods for selecting such leaders. Lilburn Business Association member Mary Marder, of Senior Tech Computers, was especially struck by Dr. Johnson’s presentation, “I feel he had a phenomenal experience that could help small businesses in need of his services.“

These services include assessment of potential hires—selecting for those characteristics which make up a “high-morale” leader. “The right leadership team will foster a healthy cooperative/competitive culture,” states Dr. Johnson. “They increase organizational motivation and instill a sense of mission.”

Barger, Cowart & Kenney, LLC, is an executive and management consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. Their mission is to provide management teams with highly customized and personalized consulting services including executive assessment and coaching, employee selection and development assessments, assessment centers, organizational development, and succession planning. Our licensed psychologists and consultants have more than half a century of combined professional experience and a wide range of skills which allow us to assess and address the myriad issues that concern employees and management at all organizational levels. We are a client-centered business that values and nurtures professional relationships with both individuals and organizations. For more information visit www.bargercowartkenney.com.

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