Background. Self-development is a central pillar of leader development and an essential activity for leaders to thrive in future operational environments. CAPL research consistently shows that self-awareness relates to greater leader effectiveness, positive unit climate, and other key outcomes. Project Athena supports all cohorts in this effort by providing assessments, feedback, and developmental resources to turn insights into action. Project Athena assessments cover three categories (leadership, cognitive skills, and personal attributes) that complement physical fitness and warfighting assessments already in place. Assessments are developmental and results are owned by the individual students. Feedback reports are maintained on an Army-owned, CAC-enabled website that is accessible across the span of leaders’ careers. These holistic assessments are complemented by tailored resources, such as the Project Athena Leader Self-Development Tool. Bolstered by instructor counseling and coaching, Project Athena culminates with an Individual Development Plan (IDP) created upon course completion.
Project Athena also helps improve broader Army education as CAPL scientists produce aggregated or institutional reports that can be used to help Army schools better understand student strengths/weaknesses, identify overall trends, and restructure courses. To ensure program efficiency, efficacy, and validity, CAPL also continuously collects stakeholder feedback on Project Athena. Initial results suggest the program is well received and students think that the time invested in Project Athena is appropriate. Additionally, routine maintenance of existing assessment instruments and feedback reports is being performed to enhance actionable insights and improve developmental recommendations for students.
Dr. Melissa Wolfe/ATZL-MCV/ 913-758-3175 APPROVED BY: COL Samuel Saine