“It is far too easy to get lost in the responsibility of people management rather than the often-messy dynamics of leading and caring for people.”
– Corie Weathers, LPC.
How often have you heard the phrase, “Today’s generation is so different?”
With four generations of Americans serving across the joint force, a key challenge is the “messy dynamic” of leading and caring for them regardless of age, experience, or beliefs.
The presumption of significant generational variation has become a kind of folklore, providing a pretext for rationalizing communication difficulties between leaders and subordinates. In Military Culture Shift, Corie Weathers asks us to consider how much more influential leaders might be if they asked rather than presumed; listening to what other generations think, bridging and even transcending generational differences.
In this remarkably well-researched, incisive book, Weathers argues that the armed forces are at a cultural inflection point. A licensed professional counselor and military spouse who has counseled and advised elements across the special operations enterprise, she points out the “wicked” problems created by 20 years of war. Among her most insightful observations is the recognition that each generation imprints itself on the institution in ways that reflect its life experiences. One of the “messy dynamics” leaders confront is synthesizing the various perspectives, ideals, and values into a cohesive whole for success. The generation that unlocks a door is not necessarily the same generation that walks through it.
Weathers shows the intergenerational dissonance associated with the pace of operations, the inherent stress of the profession, and the intricacy of military traditions. Though she recognizes that dissonance creates complex leadership challenges that have compounded over the last two decades, Weathers’ book is rooted in a profound sense of hope, grounded in inspirational stories from self-aware leaders she has met over 15 years of research. Military Culture Shift includes an extraordinarily useful tool: tips for engaging younger generations that emphasize transparency, authenticity, and empathy. Professionals in special operations forces (SOF) pride themselves on nurturing sincere relationships with partners; we should do the same with our troops.
Weathers also analyzes the challenges posed by cultural differences between service members, who view military service as a profession, and their families, who see it as a lifestyle and identity. SOF members and their families know better than most the rewards and costs of our profession, and Weathers speaks with empathy (and personal experience) to the challenge of perseverance military spouses face, given the unique relationships they have with both their service member spouse and with the service as an institution. Weathers celebrates their herculean efforts to improve military families’ quality of life and the pride and pain they share throughout their military journey.
The first SOF Truth, “humans are more important than hardware,” emphasizes SOF’s number one primary advantage: our people. I recommend this book to any SOF leader looking to connect at a deeper level with both their multi-generational organizations and the support systems that keep them in the fight—their families. Weathers compels leaders to ask themselves if relationships are truly the priority within their formations and provides invaluable guidance for navigating those “messy dynamics of leading and caring for people.”
Book Author’s Note: Corie Weathers is a licensed mental health clinician, consultant, award-winning author, and sought-after speaker who has spent the last two decades specializing in motivations, cultural dynamics, and generational perspectives of military culture – particularly as it relates to war and global conflict. Focusing on the unique needs of this community, she uses a strengths-based approach to train teams in communication, conflict resolution, marriage enrichment, and multi-generational leadership development.
Book Reviewer’s Note: Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger M. Kissane currently serves as a Battalion Command Sgt. Major in the U.S. Army. The views, opinions, and analysis expressed do not represent the position of the U.S. Army or the Department of War.
Book Details:
Title: Military Culture Shift: The Impact of War, Money, and Generational Perspective on Morale, Retention, and Leadership
Author: Corie Weathers
Number of Pages: 317
Publisher: Elva Resa Publishing
Date: 2023