As leaders, what is ONE thing you can't stress enough to your subordinates and why?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 02:21:42 -0400

I would like to know the answers to my question to learn from them and apply them for professional growth.

Response by CPT Ryan B. made Apr 14 at 2014 3:15 AM

CPT Ryan B. — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 03:15:12 -0400

To know your job and the job above you, and always conduct yourself in a professional manner, regardless of where you are or what you are doing.

For my leaders, I stress to know your soldiers, know what makes them "tick". You should be able to know your direct subordinate so well that you can tell when something is off, when something is wrong, this can help identify a lot of "issues" before they become issues and they show soldiers that you care about them and what happens to them. Engaged Leadership.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 3:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 03:35:47 -0400

Volunteer for everything. Sometimes you might end up on the worst detail possible, sometimes you get hooked up on something awesome, but when you are always the one putting yourself out there, your NCO support channel sees you, and will (should) take care of you. Leaders lead from the front, and they are the ones volunteering for the mission regardless (My opinion). Learn your job, inside and out. Show passion and dedication to be the best. Take schools, any you can get, both in and out of uniform.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 4:24 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 04:24:19 -0400

As we have witnessed that tragedy can strike anywhere at anytime even on a military installation without any warning, we must place a heave significance on the the fact that we were all people before we had rank! We must learn people just as CPT Breaux stated, knowing what makes them "tick"is important! I am not saying that we must forget rank exists or that its secondary, however we must acknowledge the certain qualities we all possess as human beings! So all in all its about commitment to a higher cause, moral values, and our character that allow us to communicate and provide social influence which is also known as leadership! It is being genuine and sincere in every situation. To reiterate again, its about being engaged! My 1SG always brought me along when inspecting rooms, not as means to point out infractions, but for me to be able to spot or witness the personal aspects of a soldiers room that could be indicators that something in their life is going on other than they didn't care make their bed! For example, we had a soldier who was experiencing an extreme amount of pressure from his parents or in his personal life outside of the military----their room as a disaster to say the least! After having a conversation with the soldier we confirmed our thoughts and were able to get him to the behavioral assistance that he required to cope with the stress! This is just one example and it doesn't require rank to notice your surroundings, to observe our battle buddies habits, and to inform those who might need to know what is going on even its turns out to be nothing! Everyone can be leader!

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 4:26 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 04:26:47 -0400

The 14 Leadership Traits, 11 Leadership Principles, and your creed! Post them up where you work so you are reminded of the expectations and that you strive to meet them.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 14 at 2014 6:03 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 06:03:37 -0400

I agree with SSgt Fair, live by your motto and those you command will do the same.
Because someone is always watching.
And show them that you care about there well being

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 14 at 2014 7:26 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 07:26:43 -0400

Don't burn any bridges! The services have always been in a constant state of change, but never more so than now, so always keep all of your options open by maintaining your qualifications and gaining any additional ones you can. Some things you have to do for yourself even if you have the greatest leaders in the world!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 14 at 2014 8:42 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 08:42:27 -0400

Since I became an NCO way back in Oct '89, I always stressed to my subordinates to ensure that they know there job and everything else will take care of itself. Learn your job, seek any opportunity to learn the job of the skill level above you: in the tank world, as a driver or loader, be the best at what you do and then seek the opportunity to learn how to be a gunner, as a gunner ensure you can hit targets and take care of your subordinates, then learn what the TC position entails. As you "grow up" through the ranks, always seek to improve yourself, take care of your Soldiers and take care of yourself too.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 14 at 2014 8:51 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 08:51:08 -0400

I rarely "gave orders". I always asked my people nicely, up to and including saying "please" and thank you. That being said...when I ask you to do something, do it. Don't spend time telling me how useless the task is, or asking why you. You can always come complain to me when the task is complete, or even while you're doing it, so long as what I need done gets done.

Response by SSG Shawn M. made Apr 14 at 2014 8:51 AM

SSG Shawn M. — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 08:51:46 -0400

Look like a Soldier. One of my biggest pet peeves is soldiers looking sloppy when it comes to their uniform and personal appearance. When an NCO first sees you do you want his/her first impression to be "wow that soldier looks like a bag of a$$" or "that soldier is squared away." Set yourself above your peers and good things will come your way.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 8:52 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 08:52:11 -0400

Communication. Bad news does not get better with time and sometimes good things are coming down the pipe. As Reservists, we must communicate effectively, and when we can't things don't happen.

An example: I just had to pull a slot for EEOCA from a Soldier because they won't answer their phone or e-mail. They were made aware that short-notice slots were coming and they indicated that they wanted to go and were good with it. A Soldier is now getting the chance to attend purely because he answered his phone and was next on the OML.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 14 at 2014 10:09 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 10:09:06 -0400

Well, I'm going to give you three (Field grades can't follow instructions...)<div><br></div><div>1. Always have a plan for your career and be working towards it. It's OK if you change it, but always have a plan (or two).  It keeps you focused and moving forward. This includes your "after Army" career. </div><div><br></div><div>2. Volunteer. SSG McNichol<span style="font-size: 13px;"> covered this, and he's right.</span></div><div><br></div><div>3. Remember to take time to be human. Life's too short, enjoy it. Be kind to others, it generally costs nothing, makes their day, and improves yours. </div>

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 10:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 10:20:43 -0400

I try to stress to my Soldiers the Army Values and all the
creeds we have. I don't demand that they be able to recite them because just
about anybody can train their brains to recite stuff. I actually sit them down
and go through these things piece by piece and explain how they apply to
TEAMWORK and LEADERSHIP and stress how they can foster a positive work place. I
challenge them to actually live up to those words that so many Soldiers spout
off during boards. When I was a platoon Sergeant I had my section sergeants
counsel the Soldiers, and every month the Soldiers were to bring a 200 word
essay on a topic of their choice (Army Value, NCO creed, Soldiers creed,
warrior ethos). I sat in on those sessions and you would be surprised what you
can learn from your Soldiers in that aspect. Some had absolutely no clue what
the true meaning was and some would just open your eyes to a perspective that
you had never thought about. It became a very useful tool and as some of my
Soldiers got promoted and moved to different platoons, they took that with them
and had their Soldiers doing it as well. This allowed for more than the typical
counseling sessions of “you did good”. Two-way conversation and education was a
part of the counseling as it should be in my opinion.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 10:23 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 10:23:46 -0400

I had a Soldier i had to remind all the time to not go and chase snakes in the desert when we are in the field and no the defac will not cook it and you can not make a fire and cook it your self...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 10:32 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 10:32:13 -0400

Watch what you put on Facebook...or anywhere online for that matter! Once something is in cyberspace there is no bringing it back. It may not bite you now but a few years from now pictures you thought were long since gone can come back and haunt you in a bad way. This wasn't a big deal when I first started in the Army but these days with technology you really need to be careful!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 14 at 2014 11:36 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 11:36:07 -0400

Don't think something doesn't matter. It ALL matters. As they say, "The devil is in the details." In wartime, details can be the matter of life or death. That should teach you to pay attention to everything and weigh the impacts.

This is for all things in life. For example, much has come out recently on soldiers in social media. Does that promote a positive image of soldiers? Is that something you would want to be widely known? The persons publishing did not think through the impact and probably did not think it mattered.

From my own experiences in the service, small things can make or break you. People will always judge. Keep positive. Turn challenges into triumphs, no matter how small. Think of how it will play out in the future. Don't let trivial things be stumbling blocks. Everything is a measure in the end. Even that tat that seems cool now may not be so when you are married and have kids.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 11:38 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 11:38:18 -0400

Responsiblity is in my oppion the most need professional growth tool needed. If a soldier is responsible for their action and those of their soldiers all the time the will be a great leader.
v/r
1SG Haro

Response by MSG Gerry Poe made Apr 14 at 2014 3:41 PM

MSG Gerry Poe — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:41:01 -0400

COMMUNICATION!!!

I stress this religiously to my Platoon Sergeants!

Every person from the lowest private to the commander must be involved in the communication process (information in general). If everyone knows what is suppose to happen on a daily basis, the mission gets accomplished. If one person is out of the loop, it creates confusion and chaos. Communication is up, down, and laterally!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 3:44 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:44:42 -0400

I would like to truly thank each and everyone of you for your great responses. I'm going to take what I learned from each and everyone one of them and apply it to my daily schedule. These responses only prove to me on how many great leaders are within the army.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2014 8:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 20:02:26 -0400

Know what you want in your career and go for it. Take opportunities when they are given and seek opportunities when and where they are not offered. Do not be afraid to go to another unit. You will always have some people you want to stay with but you will find that at the next unit as well.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Oct 26 at 2014 11:08 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 23:08:54 -0400

1) Be professional
2) Develop Leadership Skills
3) Be a Team Player
4) Continue Your Military Education
5) Lead By Example and Mentor Your Peers