Posted on Sep 13, 2014
Senior NCOs: What's your advice to help us stay motivated?
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I have a question for the Senior NCOs on this forum. How can I stay motivated and not feel discouraged? I have been 14 years in the military and since coming up as a PVT I remember seeing good leadership and bad leadership. I learned from both, well I still earn from both on what to do and what not to do. I always strive to do my best on everything I do yet sometimes I feel as if my efforts aren't worth much because I see substandard performers (either peers or seniors) getting promoted. Junior Soldiers always ask me "well SGT so and so always walks around with their hands in their pockets" or "how come people are overweight?"... just to name a few examples. Some people don't really care about taking Soldiers and are just collecting a pay check and guess what? still get promoted. I am sure I am not the 1st or last having this feeling and I always promised my self that while I cannot change the Army I can definitely make a difference one rank at a time in my sphere or influence. So.... What can I do to keep striving? I am not feeling down at this moment but just in general
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Motivation
Senior NCO
Motivation Senior NCO
Posted 10 y ago
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First of all, don't worry about what others are doing or not doing. Many times it's not even true.
Seek out a mentor, take care of YOUR Soldiers by setting a good example (be a good mentor) and follow AR 600-25 (NCO Professional Development Guide) for your career field.
Seek out a mentor, take care of YOUR Soldiers by setting a good example (be a good mentor) and follow AR 600-25 (NCO Professional Development Guide) for your career field.
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MSG (Join to see)
SGM, I agree totally. We cannot worry about what others are doing, we can advise them, but we have to take care of our own Soldiers. I try to train my Soldiers to do and what not to do and let them know that unfortunately all NCOs are not like me, so they may see their buddies getting away with things they cannot. It is sad that all NCOs cannot or will not uphold the standards, but it is a fact that now days a lot do not or will not...
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you for the advice. I do do those things I just have some down days and wonder if it is all worth the fight. I hear people say oh it is the way it is and the worse "if it's not broken don't fix it" i guess my main frustration I often pull people's weight and don't get the recognition. I am not talking about awards or decorations or even a "good job" because I do what I do because I like to work but when it comes to NCOERs is like I have to prove my self compared to others but I guess like you both said don't pay attention to others and I have veered into doing that recently.
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The best way to stay motivated is to constantly work on your character. Many of us worry about what people think and we get side tracked with what is important. The great UCLA head coach John Wooden once said " be more concerned with your character than your reputation, while your reputation is what people think about you, but your character is who you are".
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SFC (Join to see) My friend! Take heart! You are right! You are not alone and you face the same challenges that we all have! And continune to face... even as a DA Civilian! I can say that knowing that I have heard this numerous times and on a few occasions felt it myself until I could "dust it off". The big one your doing. Lead by Example.
1. Regardles of your surroundings, lead by example... and be the "good example"... after awhile you'll notice that some people will correct themselves when you approach... that is a powerful thing. You now have "informal influence" over people that really have no reason to "impress you". That's when you lay on the 'charm" ..... "see stud... I knew you were a great soldier. Already learning to self police yourself! Great job!" At that point you don't even have to say a word to the "offenders"... they will beging to correct themselves.
2. Know that you can control only what you can control or loosely speaking your "area of influence". Yes you can make on the sport corrections. Yes you can get aggrevated by those around you that "blow off" the standard... or minimally adhere to it. But know that "you" can only control what you can control... and influence the same. The rest of it is truly out of your hands... and if you worry about it you will lose your mind.
3. Those questions you are asked... be very mindful of the answer you give. This is a test. Seriously. Be honest with your assessment... but be respectful. Why? Simple! Soldiers talk and word gets around. Try to maintain your position on the "high ground" as often as possible. Example:
"Hey Sarge? Why is "chuncky love" still a team leader?" "Smith. honestly I don't know... I don't know if he is overweight... but really that is not my concern. My concern is our team here and our mission. Let's focus on that. Check?" "BTW, if the situation was reversed, and that was you? Would you want anyone talking about you like that? Let's be respectful and be professional! Check?"
Now, there will come a day that you need to provide a blunt assessment. When that happens... keep if proffessional and don't get personal.
"your right. He is over weight and the corrective action is in the hands of the CO and 1SG... not mine. Now focus on what we are doing... not that."
4. Know "why" you do what you do and why motivates you! This may seem easy... but it's tricky. The sooner you know the "why" then the others around you won't irritate you.... as much. :o) Because they really don't matter.
Sorry for the long windedness... but maybe it will help.
Charlie Mike
1. Regardles of your surroundings, lead by example... and be the "good example"... after awhile you'll notice that some people will correct themselves when you approach... that is a powerful thing. You now have "informal influence" over people that really have no reason to "impress you". That's when you lay on the 'charm" ..... "see stud... I knew you were a great soldier. Already learning to self police yourself! Great job!" At that point you don't even have to say a word to the "offenders"... they will beging to correct themselves.
2. Know that you can control only what you can control or loosely speaking your "area of influence". Yes you can make on the sport corrections. Yes you can get aggrevated by those around you that "blow off" the standard... or minimally adhere to it. But know that "you" can only control what you can control... and influence the same. The rest of it is truly out of your hands... and if you worry about it you will lose your mind.
3. Those questions you are asked... be very mindful of the answer you give. This is a test. Seriously. Be honest with your assessment... but be respectful. Why? Simple! Soldiers talk and word gets around. Try to maintain your position on the "high ground" as often as possible. Example:
"Hey Sarge? Why is "chuncky love" still a team leader?" "Smith. honestly I don't know... I don't know if he is overweight... but really that is not my concern. My concern is our team here and our mission. Let's focus on that. Check?" "BTW, if the situation was reversed, and that was you? Would you want anyone talking about you like that? Let's be respectful and be professional! Check?"
Now, there will come a day that you need to provide a blunt assessment. When that happens... keep if proffessional and don't get personal.
"your right. He is over weight and the corrective action is in the hands of the CO and 1SG... not mine. Now focus on what we are doing... not that."
4. Know "why" you do what you do and why motivates you! This may seem easy... but it's tricky. The sooner you know the "why" then the others around you won't irritate you.... as much. :o) Because they really don't matter.
Sorry for the long windedness... but maybe it will help.
Charlie Mike
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