Leaders, have you ever taken on a pet project with a soldier?

2016-04-29T08:20:41-04:00

I am currently working with a young Soldier who had trouble on her last APFT. Due to geographic separation, I am texting a few times a day and sending her links to things that will keep her goal in mind. So far she has been responding to my efforts with enthusiasm.

As I clarified in some of the responses below, the "pet" aspect of the project is my own development. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and trying to be a more positive motivational leader.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 8:23 AM

2016-04-29T08:23:40-04:00

I wouldn't necessarily call it a pet project. You're doing what NCOs do - lead, guide, train, and motivate their Soldiers. With all the additional responsibilities that get heaped on to NCOs, along with some of the authority that has been taken away, it's great to see that you are still making time to help a junior Soldier succeed, despite geographical barriers.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 29 at 2016 8:23 AM

2016-04-29T08:23:54-04:00

Absolutely, nothing better than working with someone willing and able who just needs the how.

And not just soldiers. When I was in cadet command, I had a 4th year who had not yet passed her CWST..and she was headed to CLC in just a few weeks.
Daily pool sessions took place every morning before class or PT on PT days. She was never late, never skipped, never begged off because "Thirsty Thursdays' was just too much last night.
She learned to conquer her fear of the water, learn the skills required, and compleated the prereq for CLC as well as completed the same task at camp that year.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 8:26 AM

2016-04-29T08:26:56-04:00

I had a Soldier failing his APFT and weight and after a few straight-forward counselings, I "encouraged" him to go to the gym with me three days a week. He lost weight and improved his score. I was his squad leader/ first line. "Young Soldier" tells me there may be a SSG and/or SGT between you and that Soldier not doing their job. I actually felt it to be a bittersweet moment when my seniors had to ask me what's going on in a situation again because I always tried to say on "Go".

Response by SFC Roberto Garza Jr. made Apr 29 at 2016 8:43 AM

2016-04-29T08:43:57-04:00

I think the fact that you are keeping in touch with hey, giving her advice and continuing to guide her is what's driving her, keep it up brother. Your setting a good example, just wouldn't call it a pet project.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 29 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-04-29T08:53:33-04:00

Have you also recommended RallyPoint to her SFC Private RallyPoint Member? Then not only is she just your "project" but then she can tap into the wealth of knowledge here. Great to see a leader standing up and providing guidance and true mentorship.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Apr 29 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-04-29T12:33:47-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member When I was a PSG, I was given numerous Soldiers as "pet projects" by my Battalion CSM. Made the job interesting. The only thing that pissed me off was, after all the extra work on these few Soldiers, they always took them away after I got them to Soldier again.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-04-29T12:35:24-04:00

SFC Long; I think your work is involved, innovative leadership...this isn't a "pet project" in my opinion, it's an example of a leader personally investing time. Great work!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-04-29T12:35:48-04:00

I had a Soldier on my first deployment that had difficulty passing the APFT & HT/WT due to a previous bout with cancer. We started daily work out sessions at the mobilization site that focused on improving her endurance. I started the program and then turned it over to two team leaders so I could supervise them. Before the end of the deployment she passed her APFT and recorded a 13% body fat loss, which resulted in passing HT/WT and a promotion to Specialist/E-4.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 29 at 2016 5:37 PM

2016-04-29T17:37:52-04:00

I had a pet project with all my soldiers. I got them all rides on blackhawks over time. They loved it.