Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this is a reproduction of an important military handbook from the U.S. Department of Defense Operations Group National Training Center, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Center for Army Lessons Learned, titled Building Cohesive Teams.

Contents: Introduction * Chapter 1 - This is My Squad: Overview * Section I: Teams * Chapter 2 - Building the Team * Chapter 3 - Resolving Conflict * Chapter 4 - Establishing a Positive Climate * Section II: Individuals * Chapter 5 - Individual Characteristics * Chapter 6 - Stressors and Behavior * Chapter 7 - Compliance versus Commitment * Glossary

Cohesiveness is critical to high performing teams. Each member must understand their role in the team, know their responsibilities, and know that their teammates are also performing their duties. This handbook describes methods to build cohesive teams and provides indicators to measure performance. It incorporates the Army's "This is My Squad" initiative and is a good resource for leaders at all echelons.

As we continue to deploy our Soldiers to disparate geographic locations around the world, it is important to revisit how to build cohesive teams that are highly trained, disciplined, and fit. First and foremost, there are no soft skills, there is just good leadership. Basic attributes like communication, interpersonal skills, empathy, and compassion are traits that fall under the umbrella of leadership at large. Parallel to society, Army culture also evolves. With this continuous evolution, Army leaders must remain agile and adapt to the needs of those they lead. Army leaders must exhibit genuine care for their Soldiers and ask the tough questions. We must remember that caring also means holding Soldiers accountable for their actions. When expectations are set, it is imperative that leaders follow through to ensure they are met.

Leading Soldiers is an honor and a privilege. However, this endeavor is sometimes difficult and does not come naturally for everyone. That is precisely why publications like this are so important. We ask our leaders to continually seek self-improvement, and this handbook is a great place to start. It will not provide you with all the answers, but it can serve as a road map to get you where you want to go.