Leaders - What can we do to instill an esprit-de-corps in our subordinates so that they want to do certain things, rather than feel forced?

1SG DeyShuan Shepherd — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:46:38 -0400

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 22 at 2014 2:48 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:48:51 -0400

Easiest way is to try and explain the tradition behind certain events: ie. Dining-Ins, Balls, Spur Rides etc. Maybe then they would feel a sense of pride and ownership and attend without a second thought.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 22 at 2014 3:01 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:01:55 -0400

I'd like to add to what SFC Swartz stated, being the standard bearer and setting the example for our Soldiers along with sharing hardships with them will go a long way to building the team. You have to challenge them, challenge them to be physically, mentally and emotionally tough - and you have to be the same way.

You have to be willing to get out there when it's cold outside, and when its raining and when its miserable, get out there and share risk, you lead by example, you share the hardships. Your Soldiers will see that you lead by example and that you practice what you preach and that will go a long way into improving the morale of the unit.

Many times, we will not remember what we were doing for the mission, but more who we were completing the mission with. Be, Know and Do, with your Soldiers.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 10:47 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 22:47:17 -0400

Encourage competition, have get-togethers, and retreats.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 14 at 2014 7:09 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 07:09:53 -0400

Ahh... the old Mandatory Fun time... and being VonunTOLD to be there.. we've all had the experience. I believe the crux of the issue is, in most cases, Command Climate... not an easy thing to fix if it's fallen off, nor is it necessarily easy to maintain when it's high; but in those fortunate units with very a Very good command climate the majority of unit members feel a sense of pride of belonging and are much more willing to participate in the units functions and traditions.