Types of Leaders

SFC Randy Purham — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 10:11:21 -0500

NOT TO START A DEBATE OR ARGUMENT: But, in my observations I
noticed 4 kinds of leaders/soldiers. These categories are not all inclusive:
1.) Line Leader – Always in hurry mode, doesn’t mind getting dirty, likes to
work late hours for the most part, doesn’t really care for politics/bureaucracy
or chain of commands, just wants to get missions/jobs done. 2.) Field Leader –
Always wants to be outside, whether motor pool, range or in the woods to train.
Not too fond of paperwork, happy with their rucksack and duffle bag, and
training. 3.) The Corporate Leader – always in the office or building, knows
every computer program/software, knows all the regulations and policies, orchestrated
their office/job to where only they know how to get stuff or find something.
4.) The Universal Leader – has no problem with doing any of the previous 3
depending on the day of the week where it may apply. Monday in the motor pool,
Tuesday in the company area for meetings, classes, etc. Wednesdays perhaps the
same or other administrative stuff, Thursdays and Fridays getting some training
in and closing out the week by staying late. 
Take a look at not only yourself, but the other leaders around you and
you can almost categorize them based on these 4 categories. Something to think
about. A little humorous too.

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Jan 30 at 2014 10:27 AM

SFC Robert Trodahl — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 10:27:15 -0500

Dang, I see myself in your list. Love 1 and 2, hate 3.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 10:32 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 10:32:56 -0500

A great overview of some of us leaders. I can see where leaders change either by week or months. One week all about training and the following week all about records and document.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 30 at 2014 1:24 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 13:24:00 -0500

I think #4 is a myth. Some people might THINK it applies to them, but I doubt it...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 12:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:20:31 -0400

I definitely see my self in #s 1 and 2. I hate being #3, which is probably why my leadership put me in an OPS NCO position. Got to be technically proficient too. It's in a Creed or something.

Something else I'd like to add in, my very first squad leader, when I was a young 11B told me there are 3 types of NCOs.
1. The Stripe Wearer- this person just wanted the pay raise. Doesn't really want the responsibility of leading Soldiers.
2. The Sergeant- this person just wants to yell at Soldiers and tell them what to do. Doesn't/can't actually lead them.
3. The NCO- This person embodies the NCO Creed. Can and will lead Soldiers in whatever job is given. Yes he fails sometimes, but know how to take responsibility and become a better leader.

I'm sure I'm missing something in there, but that the basic of what I remember. I think it's a pretty good description.