In your opinion, what kind of inner-circle personnel does a good leader want to be surrounded by?

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 01:04:15 -0400

In my leadership roles, I chose to be surrounded by people who had skills, talents, and experiences of their own. I welcomed team insight, suggestions, and even corrections.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2018 1:13 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 01:13:47 -0400

I'd assume they would want to be surrounded by subject-matter experts in each field they are responsible for.

"Now, will you kindly tell me, WHY I should clutter up my mind with general knowledge, for the purpose of being able to answer questions, when I have men around me who can supply any knowledge I require?" - Henry Ford

Response by Nicci Eisenhauer made Aug 12 at 2018 7:42 AM

Nicci Eisenhauer — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 07:42:39 -0400

I seek the same as SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Surround myself with Advisors for AIMS with expertise quantum leaps beyond my own knowledge. Then I can rest assured knowing I'm backed by the best who will guide me and I don't need to question whether the advice is valid, just do my job to follow their guidance combined with the knowledge of my own role. I'm blessed to have a cadre of brilliant people in my world. Blessed and inordinately humbled.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 12 at 2018 9:25 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 09:25:52 -0400

If everyone is thinking the same, is anyone really thinking at that point?

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 12 at 2018 12:46 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 12:46:48 -0400

Technical and tactical proficiency is a must. One person doesn't (necessarily) need both to the highest degree but you can split this amongst the group. There also needs to be a wide variety of thought processes and beliefs. There needs to be an atmosphere that promotes open dialogue from different perspectives and experiences.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 12 at 2018 1:19 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 13:19:35 -0400

Experts? It goes much deeper and shallower. I've had experts that I wouldn't want around me because they couldn't mesh. For me, I always wanted people who were competent in taking care of their swim lane, collaborate well with the other swim lane leaders, and know that it was important not to bog me down so I could intercept the crapola coming downhill. They knew that they were responsible beyond their rank in that I'd support their desired outcome, e.g. getting rid of a dirtbag. The "kick it upstairs because that's what they're getting paid for" mentality doesn't work long term.

I wasn't being lazy. I was preparing them for future command wherein decisions have larger consequences. I was fine with recoverable mistakes if they grew from them. I was more than satisfied that some of my "kids" made Flag and did well there. Even then, they'd take notice if I gave them that certain look, usually about some dirt I'm thinking about that would be the worse time to share. Good folk will remember how they grew up and who were the foundations at the right points of their lives.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 12 at 2018 1:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 13:46:55 -0400

I can't say it any better Phyllis.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2018 3:59 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 15:59:02 -0400

I want people around me who know their jobs, can be flexible and adaptive, have some creativity, and-this is a big one- still have enthusiasm for the work. A positive mental attitude and solid work ethic goes a long, long way.