Is your need to prove you're in charge more important than your desire to develop your team by encouraging their input?

2015-06-27T14:47:00-04:00

Response by SSgt Scott Schwerman made Jun 27 at 2015 2:52 PM

2015-06-27T14:52:40-04:00

My Marines know who is in charge, whether they like it or not. But being a dictator or being open for input depends on the person's leadership style. I, myself, am always open for opinions as someone might say something to better streamline something or say something to spark an idea in someone else's head.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jun 27 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-06-27T14:53:14-04:00

This is not an uncommon trap that many new junior leaders fall into. It's ultimately rooted in lack of self confidence. Once a leader knows that their team respects them as a leader, they tend to focus less on "proving they're in charge." Of course the onus of this falls on the leader himself, but if he's failing in this regard, a little advice from a senior can go a long way. Often times they won't even know that they are perceived that way.

Now if it's a senior leader that has this problem... it probably means he never got this talk when he was junior, and it's a much more complicated problem.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 27 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-06-27T14:57:24-04:00

Delegating responsibility is the way to go, the other way makes you a micro-manager. I want an organization that is agile and can adapt to different environments. I want NCOs who are smart enough to determine military problems and give me solutions. I will appreciate them and never throw them under the bus.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 27 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-06-27T15:04:06-04:00

When we are promoted, it is based on potential and the thought that we will use the additional rank for our people, not use it against them or at them! We have some truly amazing people in our armed services!

Empower your subordinates, build the team, train your replacement and encourage everyone to participate! You'd be amazed at the creativity and display of selfless service - we are serving with some great people, allow them to develop and lead. Everybody knows your rank, now use it for your people not at your people!

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 27 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-06-27T15:06:53-04:00

one of things at times that bothered me was seeing people like 20-23ish as SSgts and Sgts, not saying they didn't deserve it or that its age discrimination but I found at least a lot of the ones I interacted with, the power of rank went to their head and they were dictatorial and at times abusive to others. I was a bit lucky, the individual I reported to was a fair person and wouldn't have me do anything he wouldn't.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 27 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-06-27T15:49:20-04:00

I can't remember ever having to prove I was in charge. Every time I went to a new Unit or was promoted I automatically simply assumed my new position. With the exception of when I was promoted to SFC. I had been a SYSCON Controller and suddenly I wasn't. I had to work in the same office in a made up position because there was no position for me in the Brigade. I was lost for about a week, but the first night I was the on call NCOIC I found out I was ready for it and not only created a new job for myself but was awarded an ARCOM for it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-06-27T15:50:49-04:00

If you really want to achieve high goals, you have to get buy in from your team, or at minimum key players. This buy in encourages initiative, and opens dialogue that can lead to better shared understanding.

I learned long ago that while a may be in charge, I don't have a monopoly on good ideas. Some of the best I've heard came from E-4s.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-06-28T11:57:49-04:00

When in charge take charge. But at the same time I think it's important to at least (in most situations) to listen to your team there is a chance that one of them may know a better way than you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 15 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-12-15T15:19:46-05:00

An egocentric leader is a fool as it requires a lot less work delegating. He also stunts the professional growth of subordinates.