What are the three lanes of leader development?

The three lanes of leader development—character, competence, and connections—are foundational concepts that guide the growth and effectiveness of leaders within the Navy and other military branches.

Character encompasses the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership. This involves instilling values such as integrity, accountability, and resilience, which are crucial for fostering trust within a team and ensuring that a leader's decisions align with both personal and organizational principles.

Competence relates to the skills and knowledge necessary for effective leadership. This includes a leader’s ability to understand the complexities of their role, demonstrate technical proficiency, and exhibit sound judgment in a variety of situations. Competence ensures that leaders can effectively guide their teams through challenges and operations.

Connections involve building relationships and networks that enhance communication and collaboration. Strong connections can facilitate teamwork, mentorship, and information sharing, which are essential for a cohesive and effective leadership environment.

Other options, while related to leadership development, do not align as closely with the recognized framework of character, competence, and connections in the context of developing military leaders. Each of these emphasized components plays a critical role in preparing individuals for leadership roles, promoting holistic development and effective stewardship within the Navy.