Abstract
Many U.S. Army civilian employees who work for Installation Management Command Europe fall under a policy which limits their employment to five years overseas unless they have approval from higher headquarters. The policy, implementation of which varies across Army commands and other organizations impacted by the rule, creates challenges for the organization in regard to continuity, staff productivity, customer service, host nation relations, and employee well-being. For an organization that proclaims to put people first and encourages professional development, this policy creates a disconnect for leaders striving to create high-performing teams. Leaders within the Army show characteristics of the Army and Servant Leader Models, which when combined with challenges presented by the five-year rule can create an opportunity to use a leadership model provided in this Dissertation in Practice. Insights from leaders interviewed for this phenomenological study also provide valuable insight into the impacts of the rule on them and their staff.