Posted on Dec 12, 2014
Servant Leadership: Taking care of Soldiers... Senior and Subordinates
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Team,
This subject has been kicked around a few times; however, I'd like for anyone that wants to answer/respond/share to read the article at the link
http://ncojournal.dodlive.mil/2013/10/04/the-nco-army-leader-servant-leader/
and then provide their thoughts on the subject and whether you believe this is what military leadership is about? Consider also that Servant Leadership, amongst other things, is a leaders ability to "turn the rank pyramid" upside down and help ensure the team succeeds.
I'd also appreciate if some of the team would share stories of good servant leaders that you have served with... I know their out there and we just have to let folks know... we all know those who aren't... they need not be mentioned as they are not even worth the time to type.
Also, while it was centered on the NCO Corps when I wrote it... it actually applies to all leaders... and if you want to critique the article that's cool also.
Thank you.
Cam
This subject has been kicked around a few times; however, I'd like for anyone that wants to answer/respond/share to read the article at the link
http://ncojournal.dodlive.mil/2013/10/04/the-nco-army-leader-servant-leader/
and then provide their thoughts on the subject and whether you believe this is what military leadership is about? Consider also that Servant Leadership, amongst other things, is a leaders ability to "turn the rank pyramid" upside down and help ensure the team succeeds.
I'd also appreciate if some of the team would share stories of good servant leaders that you have served with... I know their out there and we just have to let folks know... we all know those who aren't... they need not be mentioned as they are not even worth the time to type.
Also, while it was centered on the NCO Corps when I wrote it... it actually applies to all leaders... and if you want to critique the article that's cool also.
Thank you.
Cam
Posted in these groups: 
Leadership
Leadership
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 6
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Bravo, 1SG Cameron M. Wesson, excellent article. I started my career in 1975, and I heard throughout my 30 years of active duty service that a good leader must know how to be a good follower (first), a point you make in the article.
And I agree 100% that if Soldiers think you care as a leader, they will be more willing to follow your lead, respect you, learn from you, etc. If you're just going through the motions and "in it" for yourself first, Soldiers will see through that quickly.
I found it interesting that you used the term agape love. That's a biblical reference, and Jesus Christ is often cited as the essence of what a servant leader should be.
Thanks for sharing your excellent article with the RallyPoint community.
And I agree 100% that if Soldiers think you care as a leader, they will be more willing to follow your lead, respect you, learn from you, etc. If you're just going through the motions and "in it" for yourself first, Soldiers will see through that quickly.
I found it interesting that you used the term agape love. That's a biblical reference, and Jesus Christ is often cited as the essence of what a servant leader should be.
Thanks for sharing your excellent article with the RallyPoint community.
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SSG Warren Hall Warren... Solid point all. No I was not demoted. I was once threatened with a relief...I stood by my position and when the DISCOM commander found out... I remained in my position... while the other person didn't. Others may gloat... I felt that I let the officer affected down... As I was not able to explain my position in a manner that let him take a step back with grace... He took it that I was being insubordinate... Not understanding the complexity of the situation nor the mission... And started a series of events that did not bode well for him. I was trying to care for soldiers and a mission... He was just trying to accomplish the mission... I hope he learned... As I learned... To make your case BLUF why!... And the ramification of other actions.
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SSG Warren Hall
We all learn from mistakes, large or small, we all make them. It makes us better soldiers. Hopefully he did learn something and possibly change his way of thinking.
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I loved taking over as a commander as I set priorities to leadership. The 1SG and I will understand the needs of all the soldiers. Every leader will monitor subordinate NCOs and take care of the troops. The E-5s were especially in charge of helping the soldiers. Everyone will grow professionally and personally. Prepare subordinates for success, and genuinely care for the soldiers and NCOs. The troops will accept a negative action a lot better if they knew the 1SG and I fought for them.
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