A Soldier's performance is a direct reflection of his leadership!

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 02:45:24 -0400

How many times have you heard this saying? Do you agree?

Am I the only one who has encountered Junior Leaders who are more knowledgeable than their supervisors? Not in terms of time-in-service but job and leadership experience. I look forward to everyone's feedback. Thanks in advance!

Response by 1LT David Moeglein made Apr 7 at 2015 3:24 AM

1LT David Moeglein — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 03:24:19 -0400

SSG Yvens Saintil, I agree that a service member's performance ultimately is a direct reflection of their leadership. However, this is a process. People's behavior does not change over night, just as an aircraft carrier does not turn on a dime.

I am grateful for the number of strong leaders that I have had in my life. They have kept me going generally in the right direction, although I have not always been the brightest student. They also say that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. A good leader is not only a good teacher, but a motivator as well. I am grateful for my mentors' patience and encouragement.

Finally, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make them drink. However, you can put salt in their oats. As leaders, we need to paint a vision of responsibility and performance that begins with our example.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 7:38 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 07:38:59 -0400

I have heard it many times and I think it is an overused saying and not entirely correct. Some humans are just not cut out to be in the military no matter how good the leader.

I reversed it and use, a leader is a direct reflection of their Soldiers.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 8:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:30:28 -0400

This is too true! My first NCOIC set the standard very high for me and I have held that same standard throughout the 3 units I've been in now. Just last week I was told to "stop being so high speed" because I went above and beyond what my shop was used to. I am a direct reflection of my first NCOIC and instill those same standards and values in my soldiers. I think the standard should always be set to the maximum and enforced because we are a direct reflection of our leaders, unit we are associated with and the military (given your respective branch). One big pet peeve of mine is s#*t bag soldiers scraping by and making the super stars look bad. End rant.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 7 at 2015 9:16 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 09:16:11 -0400

It coincides with "failure to properly supervise."

Just like when a Commander signs a letter, it shows that he agrees with the contents. Leadership implies you agree with a performance level.

This is not to say there isn't room for improvement, just that the 'product' that is made public is 'acceptable.'

If leadership doesnt think junior is performing at an acceptable level, then they should be visible correcting it (supervision). If they do think it is acceptable, but it is sub-par, the standards reflect poor decision making on the leader.

The burden of leadership is accepting the failures of your juniors as your own.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 10:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 10:19:03 -0400

I will say that a soldier is a direct reflection to an extent. I feel this can not be used as an excuse. A soldier has an obligation to hold his leader accountable for things also...Tactfully of course.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 7 at 2015 11:09 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 11:09:45 -0400

Leaders have a responsibility to train their subordinates, AND expose them to situations and scenarios using realistic training, not wasting their time! It gives me great joy to see one of my subordinates exceed expectations and perform at the highest levels of performance, to see them operate on their own and accomplish more than they ever thought they could. We are responsible - WE ARE - for growing our future military, the dedication to training and service is what will make our units successful or not.

Some subordinates are exceptionally bright and bring with them education and experience far beyond their leadership. For instance, I have an exceptionally bright young Soldier (his GT score on the ASVAB is his lowest table score at 142) in one of the companies that has an Aerospace Engineering degree, he joined the Army because he wanted to serve one enlistment, to HIS country - he does his duties, he is very responsible but wants nothing else other than to just serve his country, he wants no special opportunities and his plan is to get out after his initial term is up.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Apr 7 at 2015 11:45 AM

BG David Fleming III — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 11:45:52 -0400

Good leaders surround themselves with knowledgeable individuals. They recruit subject matter experts. When none are available, they must become subject matter experts. That's a leader!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 2:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:17:30 -0400

Well said!

Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Apr 7 at 2015 9:46 PM

SSG Jason Cherry — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 21:46:55 -0400

CSM Private RallyPoint Member said it best. Good leadership can inspire amazing performance.

However, some people just couldn't give a damn about anything but what they want.