Servant Leadership: Taking care of Soldiers... Senior and Subordinates

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.

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.

When I was a SSgt, I tried my upmost to follow the NCO Creed to the letter. I recently put a post on here which I think directly links to this. "Has anyone else been demoted for standing up for or taking care of your troops either in the rear or out in the field". When leading my guys as a Team Leader, then as Squad Leader, I always put my guys 1st. I tried my best not to order my guys to do things, rather I asked them if they could help the rest of us. I was the first to pick up a broom, or mop, if I had time. I absolutely refused to let a subordinate clean my weapon. I led my guys with the respect they deserved and in turn I gained theirs. I never reprimanded a soldier whether Team Leader, or Squad/Team member in front of the others, it was none of the others business. When it came to planning or formulating a plan of action, I would gather them up and ask for their suggestions, how would they accomplish the task if they were in my position. I wanted all of them to be a part of it. it was, I suppose, my way of team building, and letting them know that they were an integral part of something bigger. This also granted me the opportunity to learn from them. Some ideas were silly at times, but for the most part some were exceptional. A good NCO can learn many things from his troops if he is open minded enough to listen.
I will get off my soapbox now. I am glad you posted this, and hopefully others will read the entire article.