I'm being told I'm getting a Soldier placed under me and I have never been in this position before. Any advice on how to be a good leader?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:58:31 -0400

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 29 at 2019 1:09 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:09:00 -0400

Listen to any problems he or she may have, and don't be judgmental.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Apr 29 at 2019 1:09 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:09:28 -0400

Take the time to listen to those under you but remember the ultimate decision is your. Don't do it for everything but every once and a while. It will allow you to be empathetic without weak. Just my opinion

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 29 at 2019 1:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:26:58 -0400

Keep the soldier informed. The last minute stuff is bullshit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 1:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:29:46 -0400

Remember, there is a difference between being a leader and being the boss. Be a leader.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 29 at 2019 1:44 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:44:19 -0400

Ensurebthat you keep them well informed, ask you supervisor frequently for mission updates to enable this. Listen to your Soldier and remember you are a working leader, you need to be along side of or in front of your Soldier. Lead from the front. Keep an eye on the training schedule and ensure that you know and understand future commitments empowering you to guide your Soldier. Listen to your Soldier and take their input to heart. Know your Soldier and place their needs above your own, know their personal situation, know what things outside the workplace are important to them. Bottom line, treat them as you always wanted to be treated, provide leadership, not Just Supervision. Thank you for having the courage to ask such a question. Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Apr 29 at 2019 2:28 PM

SSG Christopher Parrish — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 14:28:45 -0400

Listen to them and get to know them, their needs and goals. Do what you can to either train them to, or provide access to the training, to eventually replace you as you move up in rank/responsibility.

You don't have to be their buddy, keep that in mind, you both have jobs to do.

Response by SGT Jeremy Berry made Apr 29 at 2019 2:56 PM

SGT Jeremy Berry — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 14:56:01 -0400

If you haven't read FM22-100 yet, give it a shot. It is not the end all be all of leadership techniques, but it may give you something to think about. Easiest thing to do at your level is to think back on the BEST leader you have had thus far and initially model your approach on his or hers. Eventually you will find your style. Don't change your personality because "you're a leader now".Joe's see right through that and will peg you as a douchebag. Above all else, don't overthink it.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 3:03 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:03:47 -0400

There are literally libraries of books written on this subject. Pick a famous general, or any officer, and research how they led troops. You will either find some things good or some things bad, or perhaps both about their leadership style.

But IMHO, in short, be the leader you wanted in that young troop's place.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Apr 29 at 2019 3:50 PM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:50:38 -0400

Always be firm, fair, and consistant. You set the example, so you have to be squared away 24/7. Juniors will come to you with questions...make sure you have the answers...and if you don't have the answer, DON'T BS, ever...look it up/find out and get back to them. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 29 at 2019 3:51 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:51:44 -0400

I suggest you write down traits of a good leader as a guide to being a good leader.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 4:06 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:06:56 -0400

1) Treat information like a “hot potato”. Pass it in on to your joe immediately.
2) Don’t ask your joe to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself.
3)Get a leader’s book. Keep important information like your soldiers data sheet, weapons/pt card, counselings, etc.
4) Always conduct layouts with them before FTXs or training that requires them to bring gear. Trust but verify.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 4:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:26:55 -0400

Know your people, care for them, and do your best by them, that may be a hug or a boot up the backside. Treat them as adults.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 4:30 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:30:03 -0400

Put your soldier(s) first. Make sure their needs are taken care of before yours. Share the workload. If deserved, don't be afraid to recommend for awards.

Response by Sgt Chuck Stewart made Apr 29 at 2019 6:44 PM

Sgt Chuck Stewart — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:44:20 -0400

First thing to always remember, never ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself. There is way more things about being a good leader than I can post. Take the lead when there are tasks to do. Never think that you are better than others. Be fair and respectful, the people in your charge will do anything for you if you learn your Leadership traits and principles. Good luck in your career. Asking this question alone tells me you care about being a good leader

Response by SPC Steve Bright made Apr 29 at 2019 7:22 PM

SPC Steve Bright — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 19:22:25 -0400

Listen to the individual. When a problem arises work from the stand point that they didn’t want to cause an issue and work w them to resolve it.
When leading. Make sure they have what they need to be successful.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 29 at 2019 8:33 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 20:33:41 -0400

Every Service has a "Commandant's Reading List" or "Chief of Staff's" etc. Start with that. They are normally broken down by rank, which equates to "scope of responsibility." You are a Tactical leader (as in Ground level, where the rubber meets the road). Conversely, Generals are Strategic leaders (20,000 ft above ground or big picture leaders). Each of these require different approaches.

Think about what is important to you as a troop. Generally speaking, "Information vacuums" or "WTF is going on?!?" You hate that, your people will hate it too. So work to correct that to the best of your ability. However, learn about "lag" and "change 13" which means that sometimes you won't have word, and sometimes word won't be reliable (enough to pass along). This means that even though you might "know" something, you may be withholding it for final confirmation because you are expecting it to change (for whatever reason).

After that, the number one piece of advice I give everyone is "DON'T OVERTHINK THE PROBLEM." Say it with me. "DON'T OVERTHINK THE PROBLEM." If you have an issue in front of you, what is the simplest solution that will turn it into "not a problem" or a group of "much smaller problems" that can be dealt with at your leisure. Bad news doesn't get better with age. Deal with issues as they come up. Fix them if you can (if you have the skill, experience, and authority). Escalate if you cannot. Follow up and track the resolution (so that you learn how to deal with them in the future).

Never be scared to take an ass-chewing for taking care of one of your folks. Never hesitate to chew one of your folks asses if they deserve it. Always apologize if you were in the wrong.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 29 at 2019 8:56 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 20:56:22 -0400

Your Soldier is not "under" you. He/she is depending upon your wisdom, expertise and leadership so that together, you can accomplish that part of your unit's mission for which YOU are responsible

Response by SSG Brian G. made Apr 29 at 2019 10:48 PM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 22:48:36 -0400

Short answer? Look back on your own time. Reflect on the failures and successes of those you were placed under and work from there, striving to improve.

You want to inform, train and motivate and be that NCO prospect. That soldier will look to you for guidance, information, inspiration and leadership. You are molding the future here. What you teach will be passed down the line.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2019 9:08 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 09:08:38 -0400

I think others summed up most of the important points, so I’ll just add this. Mentorship is going to be your biggest contribution to that soldier, especially if they are just out of basic and AIT. They will look to you for guidance and direction and how to do a lot of the admin stuff no one teaches you. You should always be available to answer questions and encourage them to ask. People don’t leave jobs because of the company: they leave because of their boss.

Also, as a fellow medic, be a good medical resource for them. Teach them to be a better, more knowledgeable medic. Not only is that best for the patients, but it’ll make your soldier and you look good too. You command does notice these things over time.

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Apr 30 at 2019 9:12 AM

SFC Scott Higgins — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 09:12:31 -0400

I am guessing that you have the same MOS as the soldier that is being placed under you. This is so you can show them the ropes of their role and help them to know what is expected of them so they can grow in their career. It also can be to help you grow in yours. By asking for advice on just how to do this, you have taken the first step in the right direction. Thank you for doing that. I wish some of my sergeants had asked that question of someone. Make sure you document what is going on. If you need to counsel the soldier on anything they may have made an error on, document it. Always do reprimands in private, praises should be public. Keep yourself squared away at all times and demand the same from them. Be fair and consistent. I agree with everything that CSM Darieus Z. stated. Thank you for your service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2019 10:38 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 10:38:12 -0400

Lead by example and ensure you keep your subordinate consistently informed. Keep in mind you are responsible for them and the more squared away you are, the more squared away your subordinate will be. Yes, the recipe is that simple.

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Apr 30 at 2019 8:56 PM

MSG Lonnie Averkamp — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 20:56:53 -0400

Outstanding question. The fact that you have asked how to be a good supervisor shows that you have the basic natural instinct to be one.

At Drill Sergeant School, I told the students, "YOU are not so important that the Army gave you 30 new soldiers: Those 30 new soldiers are so important that they deserve the BEST instructor available: And that is YOU.

SGT Jeremy Berry struck on a great point. FM 22-100 is one of the finest manuals for a leader, and it is pleasant to read.

Remember that you and your subordinate will be a Team. You will work together. However, if something goes awry, you will be the one standing in front of the Sergeant.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 1 at 2019 1:26 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 01 May 2019 01:26:03 -0400

Remember when you were a Private? Remember that @sshole SGT who everyone hated? Remember how you wished there were less of him in the world?

Now... Remember that kick@ss SGT? Remember how you wished there were more of her in the world?

Be the change you want to see....

Also,

Don't let perfect be the enemy of good enough.

Fight for your Soldier. Everytime. Even if it means you sacrifice. This means I got for your Soldier to get recognition, praise, awards, promotions when deserved.... But also kicks in the @ss, punishments, corrective training and demotions when deserved.

Work your butt off teaching your Soldier the right way so only that first group is ever deserved.

All accomplishments are a team effort. All failures are your responsibility.

Sh!t rolls downhill.... Until it gets to you. Shield your Soldiers from as much of it as you can (this doesn't mean that you do his or her work).

There are quite a few other similar threads on RP, they have plenty more nuggets of wisdom.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made May 1 at 2019 4:45 AM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Wed, 01 May 2019 04:45:00 -0400

Seems like your off to a good start, you asked.
This means your concern about that member.
CSM Darieus Z. pointed out great ways.
I think we all been in your shoes, I know I was.
Hope you don't mind if I share something here with you.
When I was an E-5 I was a tactical communications Chief in the Army reserves, those under me kind of looked at me as someone whom came from active duty (Gun Ho fighting machine), Not NCO.
They respected me, but I also really cared for them. My concern was rather different, my concern for each of them was if there faced in combat and find themselves alone, How will they survive?
If I get KIA during battle will the company survive? I started training them on how to do my job, and cross train each of them to do the other men's job.
I had them do things by the book, by presenting them the required books, and read the instructions as work was being done. They had fun as well as me. Because I delegated each of them to take turns at being a leader.
Once day I got this new PFC placed with us, someone whom I knew nothing about, but he came in as we were doing this, I delegated him as a team leader and he acted accordingly, He had his team and gave orders, instructions as to how he will completed this assignment.
He did great, at the end of the day I had them all together to critique each others leadership ability.
Well at the end of the day, I dismissed every one, His NCO came to me and asked me one thing.
Sargent Pabon, can you tell me one thing?, I said what, How in the world did you manage to get 8 hours of work out of him when I cant even get 15 mins?

Response by SSG John Prozzillo made May 1 at 2019 9:55 AM

SSG John Prozzillo — Wed, 01 May 2019 09:55:16 -0400

Be yourself, its time for you to shine as a leader.

Response by 1SG Mickey Black made May 1 at 2019 12:46 PM

1SG Mickey Black — Wed, 01 May 2019 12:46:29 -0400

Treat them the way you wanted to be treated - respectful and informed. Set a high standard for training and expectations of them, make sure they understand those and don't lower the standard. Make them achieve the standard. Be hands on and teach them how to reach your standard. Hoppe this helps. Mickey Black, MSG, retired special forces

Response by SGT Robert Wager made May 1 at 2019 12:47 PM

SGT Robert Wager — Wed, 01 May 2019 12:47:33 -0400

First and foremost you are not having a soldier placed beneath you. You may be placed in a leadership position but no soldier is ever beneath another soldier. Literally your mindset has to change.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2019 7:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 May 2019 19:20:47 -0400

Always be available to the Soldier, either in person, email, or cell. If I were you, I'd create an event oriented style counseling. Nothing crazy, but at least your joe will know what is expected of them under your care. In my experience, it's really easy for Soldiers to play "I didn't know" game. A copy of this counseling, for both you and the joe, is necessary ammo when this game wants to be played!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2019 1:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 May 2019 01:08:19 -0400

First and foremost, is s/he married, kids, baby on the way, any pay issues such as bonuses, do they have a place to stay, transportation, etc... What ever the answer is, don't send them to S1, you take that Soldier to S1 and all the places s/he needs to go to get that squared away and bring all their paperwork from marriage certificate to enlistment contracts. If barracks Soldier, does that Soldier have toiletries and sheets? See your local unit supply for toiletries. Does that Soldier have all their CIF? Ensure that their CIF equipment will have the right markings and tags on their like on their ACH band and IOTV, ruck and assault pack. Ensure they in-process the unit and Battalion.
That is what a Soldier coming into the unit will have problems when they first come in. Remember?

Be the example. Pass down information to him. Be on the ground with him. You tell him that he needs to be somewhere at a certain time, you be there earlier. Don't tell him horror stories or complain to him that your unit or leadership sucks. That is my biggest pet peeve is when a new Soldier comes into the unit with a pre-determined mindset that his unit sucks because Soldiers in the barracks told him what they don't like. Screw all that.
Train that Soldier to be the best s/he can.

**Being a good leader does not mean you can release him for lunch at 1030 and have him back at 1400 when there are tasks to complete all because of your good intentions. That is not teaching him/her anything but that you let him/her go to lunch early.
Teach the basic stuff of an Active duty Soldier. Radio operations, load, change freq and radio check. Show him the vehicles you guys have and have that Soldier look inside. Teach that Soldier PMCS and how to dispatch a vehicle. Turn on everything in the vehicle so that Soldier can see how it operates. There's a wow factor that will come into play. I'm sure you will do the whole, "blinker fluid", "go find me chem-light batteries" joke but it's all in good fun and keep it safe. NO HAZING!

Read the definition of a Leader.

Response by Cpl Michael Lane made May 2 at 2019 2:03 AM

Cpl Michael Lane — Thu, 02 May 2019 02:03:15 -0400

Treat the Soldier with respect. No bullshit. Say what you mean and do what you say.