Old guys - How have you changed your leadership style to keep up with the newer generation of Soldier?

2013-12-11T00:08:27-05:00

As an NCO with over 20 years in service, I feel as though there's been a shift in the type of person that joins the Army. It isn't just me - my peers and many members of the pre-9/11 Army see it too... and I'm preaching to the choir on this board I'm sure.<div><br></div><div>As a drill sergeant at Ft. Benning in 2005, I saw many of my peers trying to deal with this new generation by acting like the drill sergeants of their training days... the screamers, the crazies, the scary guy. </div><div><br></div><div>I found the most effective drill sergeants at the time were NCOs who maintained their previous leadership posture - with a little added spice, of course - but the slow, steady, dependable NCOs in their respective fields made, in my opinion, the best drill sergeants because that style resonated with the "Millennial," and they seemed more prone to follow the lead of those NCOs.</div><div><br></div><div>Fast forward a few years - as a first sergeant I saw the methods of communication that the newer generation use and I see the haze of confusion over many of their (older) leaders when trying to adapt to those methods - but not all of them. </div><div><br></div><div>Not just communication, but the almost complete openness that many of them live their lives - leaving an open book for the world to read over social media.</div><div><br></div><div>Long wainded way of framing the question - but in light of how the Millennial is the next generation of our services, how are you changing and adapting to lead this new crop of servicemembers?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 12:19 AM

2013-12-11T00:19:23-05:00

1SG are you pointing at me?  lol.  Anyhow,  I am really glad that I am not in these days.   I was very sincere and honest but not abrupt or over-bearing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 11:35 PM

2013-12-11T23:35:41-05:00

As
Ghandi stated, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”, NCOs or "old guys" need to confirm themselves as a leader, building trust and respect, by setting
a clear example to their team. This means treating others the way you want to
be treated, developing and exhibiting characteristics and traits such as good work
habits, understanding and valuing your employees’ work, encouraging learning,
innovation, and enthusiasm, and most of all demonstrating your intrinsic values.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 11:50 PM

2013-12-11T23:50:32-05:00

As an old guy I always keep my clapper close at hand. I think like how we had to change, so too, do today's troops. Not ironically, they too will bemoan certain behaviors will irk them. Being modern is not necessarily better.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 21 at 2013 7:56 AM

2013-12-21T07:56:16-05:00

I haven't changed a thing. It's up to THEM to measure up to ME. I figure if younger Soldiers can't keep up with a 1SG who's nearly 60 and done four combat tours, then they need some serious introspection.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 12:50 PM

2014-01-19T12:50:05-05:00

1SG,

I have tried to update my vocabulary that is about it.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 19 at 2014 1:02 PM

2014-01-19T13:02:47-05:00

I remember a PSG of mine told me a long, long time ago, that if you are going to be an effective leader, you always need to know your audience. The "kids" today are different than we were over 20 years ago. They aren't better or worse, they see the world differently that we did coming into the Army. I have experienced a lot in my career and I believe that each experienced provided me something else for the "kit bag" for the next challenge. I think that over the past few years my style has changed by thinking more "outside of the box." There are a lot of tools out there today that were not available when we were growing up through the ranks. With the introduction of social media, apps, the internet with information at your fingertips, all have made us adjust fire on the way we deal with things. I believe that is a good thing. If you stop learning and adapting to the world around you, you will get passed up or worse, run over.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 1:54 PM

2014-01-19T13:54:57-05:00

1SG,

I remember my days as young SGT/E5, I did have a huge chip on my shoulder. The Soldiers in my unit hated me because of the way I treated them (yell, scream, shout). That is how I was brought up, however, was it effective, I do not think it was. During my deployment years 2003 through 2009, I learned that it is not the most effective way to get thins done. I had to embrace change. My actions had to be different to get things done. A type of transformational leadership.

As a Drill Sergeant, I yelled a lot, but when it came to discipline. You know right at the beginning of a cycle how it was going to be, if it was going to be a good one, or a terrible one. And, there is a point in the cycle when you let go off the gas pedal and start acting in a way that is comfortable for the Soldiers, not too comfortable though. However, the way you trained them and spoke to them about your experiences makes them understand where you are coming from. Some listen, and some do not. I get emails once in awhile of the those that paid attention and say thank you. To me, it means a lot.

And now, with the new generation, things have changed, and the pen is mightier than the sword. No need to yell, unless it is appropriately needed. However, don't take kindness for a weakness, there are still many forms of methods to lead and one cannot just stay in on one leadership style to get the mission done.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 5 at 2014 4:57 PM

2014-05-05T16:57:54-04:00

MSG - you're right There has been a shift in the Army. I've found the most effective Drill Sergeant is the one who is tough, fair, and understanding. Intuitively, Drill Sergeants need to know when to put on the pressure and when to ease off. Stress privates out during BRM week? Not a good idea. Gas 'em on a PT run? Probably a good idea. Making sure Privates' health and hygiene issues are addressed? Make that a priority. Graduate an Honor Platoon? Privates absolutely love that. So long as you're consistent, your Privates will strive to emulate that behavior.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made May 11 at 2014 11:08 PM

2014-05-11T23:08:05-04:00

I was an old soldier to start with, so I don't think I changed much. Respect went both ways.
The volume came down a little but my vocab stayed a bit on the harsh side.
1SG Blount said it best, that THEY had to measure up to ME. I made sure that my soldiers knew exactly where I stood and what the standards were.
Posted on the wall were two quotes 1)"There is not STUPID questions, only STUPID silence." & 2) "If ones mind can understand the WHY, that mind will design its own HOW."
One the back side of my name plate was an Irish quote as a reminder to myself; "Get over on me ONCE, shame on YOU. Get over on TWICE shame on ME."

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-01-28T22:43:02-05:00

I think the best approach is to be yourself. Trying to be something you aren't is a sure way to come off as a phony. You adapt your talents to the situation, not the other way around.
I have always tried to be approachable - a father figure. My Soldiers know they can come to me with just about anything... and they have. Over the years, I have had two suicidal Soldiers, a counseling session over a "first time" that the Soldier regretted when the relationship changed afterwards, a "promise ring" turned lie ring, Soldiers with remorse about combat shootings gone awry, cat fights in the female barracks... the list goes on and on. I think if I tried to be a screamer, it wouldn't work.

What I know is that if my Soldiers are talking to me, I am doing something right.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 11:19 PM

2015-01-28T23:19:54-05:00

SGM Private RallyPoint Member , I personally do not believe that I have changed my style enough and that this newer generation of Soldier is extremely sensitive.

I know that a Good / Great Leader adapts with the changes over the years.

I believe that I am good at mentoring and trying to help Soldiers succeed but when there are regulations that a Soldier is blatantly disregarding they want to act offended that they are being corrected.

I am still trying to determine how to adapt to these Soldiers. I believe that the Military should assist Senior Leaders with this.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 29 at 2015 12:04 AM

2015-01-29T00:04:06-05:00

It's too late for me, SGM Private RallyPoint Member! To paraphrase GEN Douglas MacArthur, "I closed my military career and just faded away"!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 7:00 AM

2015-01-29T07:00:04-05:00

I eat the souls of the weak Soldiers and it allows me to stay young and in tune with the new generation Bwhahahaha! (evil laugh).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 7:39 AM

2015-01-29T07:39:38-05:00

I had to modify my leadership style, in order to reach positively this generation of soldiers. I was brought up with yellers and /or screamers leaders. I survive. but nowdays that approach don't reach the soldiers in positive manner, its make them to shut down on you. So yes I had to modify and make some adjustments in order to provide an effective method to reach them and positively influenced them. This generation is a very smart they grew up with a lot of technology around them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 5:55 AM

2015-02-17T05:55:37-05:00

Raising kids has taught me a lot... I give as much trust as is earned, and no more. Infinite trust initially, until you prove me wrong.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-02-28T20:56:16-05:00

1SG, I've been in now going on 31 years and I've seen a lot of change in myself and in the new generation of Soldiers today. I've had to change the way I treat and lead this newer generation just like I've had to do with my kids and grandkids. I remember going through boot camp at Ft. Benning, Ga back in '84 when Drill Sergeants taught you how to be a man, screaming, kicking, push-ups here, push-ups there, heck I seen grown men cry for their mom. I had already been married for three years and had a 2 year old son, so I grew up fast. When my son went to basic I really had to re-think the I lead Soldiers. The day he called me and told me about stress cards the thoughts that went through my mind, what is this military coming too. Then I realized that the new generation wasn't brought up the way I was and visa versa. I had to start thinking the way they did and learn what made them click and what better way listen to my own kids. My wife and kids have made me a better leader today by learning to change with the times and don't get stuck in my own time warp. Remember, to be a good leader you first have to be a good follower. "Lead, Follow or Get The Hell Out of The Way"

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-07-23T21:06:13-04:00

I keep up through continue professional and self development. As dual military, my wife and I will AAR our days.

Response by MSG Richard Cooper, PMP, SIPM, CMAS made Dec 23 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-12-23T14:46:13-05:00

As I read through these reponces we need to keep on mind that these soldiers are transitioning from citizens to soldiers. Also they are going through Basic COMBAT Training. Emphasis intended. At the end of the day everyone has the duty and obligation to "pick up their weapon, and follow me". Combat training should be harsh and realistic. They can relax at their AIT station.
V/r
Richard

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Dec 23 at 2017 3:26 PM

2017-12-23T15:26:34-05:00

20 years ago, there was some Sergeant Major saying the same thing about you and your fellow new Enlistees. It's the way things have always been and the way they always will be, not just in the Army, but in just about every sort of organisation.

Good leaders adapt, poor leaders don't.