How can you help a NCO to pull his own weight?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:03:28 -0400

A few NCO's in your unit dispite their best efforts have difficulty pulling their own weight. How would a fellow NCO help their peer?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 20 at 2015 7:15 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:15:15 -0400

A few have difficulty pulling their own weight?.....That's a clear cut case of leadership gone awry!

Failure to enforce standards create a standard of mediocre performance and that is what it sounds like is happening where you are SGT Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 11:17 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 23:17:01 -0400

With all respect to the peer group, and I would welcome their support, this is First Sergeant business.
I have to have every NCO pulling their weight, and if they don't they are a significant liability.
"Why" they are not pulling their weight is the operative question.
If they are simply unmotivated, I have an assortment of tools to get that on track. It won't be for lack of attention that they fail to execute. My first move would be to assign them a responsibility/ extra duty and focus in on performance of the task. I would refine my approach off how that went. Many times it is just a matter of task and purpose missing to get them moving.
If they are lacking confidence, I usually will put them in charge of something and coach them through it. When I show confidence in them, they usually don't let me down.
If they lack training, I can fix that.
If they are a turd (it happens), I will give them enough rope to hang themselves. These types tend to self-identify.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 20 at 2015 11:45 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 23:45:26 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Brother peer pressure always worked for me.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 20 at 2015 11:51 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 23:51:47 -0400

Team building exercises but I a subtle way. Also have a private heart to heart with the NCOs in question. Offer mentorship in a professional manner

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 11:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 23:53:33 -0400

Depends on the situation. If they're trying, mentor them on the sideline. Everyone has weak points. I didn't know anything about pregnancy. When I received a pregnant Soldier, I asked Leaders who did and studied from appropriate resources. If they don't care, I dare say you may want to consider extending that helping hand to that NCO's Soldiers. Otherwise, if you continue to pull your weight and help and Lead and mentor everyone whenever you can, those neglected Soldiers will gradually gravitate towards you.

Response by SFC Patrick R. Weston, MPH made Aug 23 at 2015 11:55 PM

SFC Patrick R. Weston, MPH — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 23:55:39 -0400

After careful consideration, I would pull the NCO to the side, ask if he or she was having any personal or professional issues at the moment, share my observations and volunteer to assist the Soldier in overcoming any obstacles or provide answers as best I can.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 24 at 2015 3:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 15:50:53 -0400

Ask if they have an inherent problem or distraction.