A Guide for Enhancing Squad Shared Understanding: Squad Leader Tips

Army Squads and small units experience frequent turnover as Soldiers make a permanent change of station (PCS) move and receive new positions. Because of this frequent turnover, small teams may lose the shared knowledge that is built as teams spend more time together. A decay of Squad shared understanding can decrease readiness. Accordingly, this research product contains tips for how to create and sustain shared understanding within Army teams. This guide provides suggestions for how Squad Leaders can leverage frequently performed activities to quickly build shared understanding after membership change as well as maintain shared understanding in existing Squads. Team Leaders may also find this guide helpful as they prepare to move into a Squad Leader position.