Physical Program Leadership: From Kinesiology in the Classroom to Fitness Training in the Field

Abstract

The complex and diverse mission of leading and administering the Physical Program and Kinesiology major at the United States Military Academy at West Point requires a broad and flexible application of leadership theory coupled with strict adherence to established and codified Army Values and Core Leader Competencies. This paper provides a closer look at the specific requirements and leadership challenges that the Kinesiology and Physical Education leaders at the Academy face each day, and provides the tools and strategies employed to meet those obligations. The discussion emphasizes employment of transformational, transactional, participatory, and situational leadership, and provides a continuum of leadership behaviors available to the Kinesiology leader ranging from authoritarian-centered to participatorycentered leadership. The paper affords all leaders in higher education an opportunity to reflect on their own leadership style, and offers ideas on modifying that leadership approach to more effectively administer their own program.