Intensity of leadership qualities of military personnel in the process of military-professional socialization

Introduction. Formation of leadership qualities in future officers is an urgent applied task. Developed leadership qualities ensure high efficiency of performed service and combat tasks, including the management of a military team. The objective is to establish characteristics of the leadership qualities of military personnel of the National Guard of the Russian Federation at different stages of military-professional socialization. Materials and Methods. A theoretical analysis of scientific literature was carried out in order to identify the key concepts discussed in the article, highlight the essential features of leadership and theories of leadership. The questionnaire “I am a leader” was used as a methodology for assessing leadership qualities. The survey covered 120 persons. Results and Discussion. A comparative analysis of such categories as “leader”, “leadership”, “chief” was done. Under consideration are structural, behavioral and situational theories of leadership. Groups of leader skills have been specified. A comparative analysis of leadership qualities in military personnel at different stages of socialization has been implemented. Conclusions. The change in leadership qualities during the process of studying at a military university does not follow a linear pattern, but is displayed by a U-shaped pattern. Third-year students are characterized by a low level of development of leadership qualities. The conditions of cadets’ socialization play a significant role in the development of leadership qualities.