What advice can you give a Cadet commissioning in the Army on how to be an effective leader?

Chris Grimm — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 00:43:44 -0400

Howdy all,

I'm a junior in college who has recently joined the ROTC program. I know Cadets and 2LTS get a lot of shit in general due to their general ineptness and other stereotypical behavior.

Seeing as I have even less time than the average Cadet to learn the ropes, I figured this was a good place to post.

What advice can you give a Cadet commissioning in the Army on how to be a good leader

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 1:03 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 01:03:01 -0400

1) Learn from your NCOs. Take charge, yes....but do not dismiss the advice and guidance from your NCOs
2) Firm and fair. If your troops do no wrong but sh*t bullets get fly in their direction, do not be afraid to take those hits for them. The other side of that coin is that if the bullets are warranted, then do your duty as required.
3) Realize and understand that you will screw up. We all do. How you bounce back and re-adjust your fire from those screw ups.....that will show how good a Soldier and Leader you can be.
4) Do not take every order you are given to the exact letter of the order. Always remember that there will be times when you can use flexibility and ingenuity to execute the mission(s) given.
5) For all that is holy, please remember to use common sense. Too many leaders (young and old) seem to forget what that is.
6) Inventory and accountability. Know what you have, where its at, and who has it. You don't want to find out some rainy day that you are signed for a piece of equipment that you never saw before.
7) Don't alienate yourself from your troops. Get to know them. And not just their birthdays. Stuff you wouldnt think of, get to know that. An example would be.....if you know you have a Soldier whose parents are having a wedding anniversary....tell him to take a 5 minute break from work and to call home and wish them said happy anniversary.
8) If you dont have to be in a meeting or a briefing.....and there is dirty work to be done......roll those sleeves up and get dirty with them. Soldiers really do love to see their leaders chew the same dirt they have to.

What all of these boil down to is this.....take care of your people and your people will take care of you.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 7 at 2016 1:19 AM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 01:19:53 -0400

Be aware of the divide between you and your soldiers, but don't let it define you. Always be willing to listen. Praise in public, scold in private. Don't let yourself be walked on, but don't walk on others. And, if you see an e-9 without coffee in his or her hand, smartly about face and find something wrong far, far away to deal with!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 7 at 2016 1:37 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 01:37:07 -0400

Work closely with your 1SGT and learn from him; he will have been on the job far longer than you and has a great deal to teach you if you pay attention. And look out for your men.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 1:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 01:42:46 -0400

"A happy Soldier is a productive Soldier," please remember that. You and your NCO will always set the climate in the workplace. So you both need to always have a good working relationship and keep your Soldiers' moral as high as possible at all times. If they come to you, please just listen. They may be desperate to have somebody listen to whatever problem they may be having. Don't feel that you have to push them off to your NCO. Because you may be the person that your NCO will come to for advice at times. Make the time, unless you have an emergency. Be understanding to their gripes, but don't agree. Never, EVER let your subordinates truly see how much you hate being in the field that month, or how much the food sucks at the chowhall that day, etc. These little things really matter in my opinion. Respect your NCO's advice (the man or woman has been around a while), but at the same time be sure that your troops know that you are ultimately in charge. Soldiers "want" to be led. They truly do. Be friendly, but not buddies. You will meet many subordinates that you will genuinely like, so the hardest part about being a "leader" is maintaining your professionalism. I hope this guidance helps. Thank you on your decision to serve your country.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 7:57 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 07:57:12 -0400

The most important things to remember are this: listen more than you talk...learn while you lead.

Your SNCOs will be your most reliable resource-never forget that they've been down the road and know the bumps and curves. No one expects you to be Patton right out of the starting blocks...they are looking for potential; potential you possess, otherwise you would not be wearing bars. Your superiors will be watching for a young officer who learns from each mistake, and doesn't make the same one twice. Your peers will be looking for someone who pulls their weight and doesn't leave their six exposed. Your subordinates will be looking for your respect and loyalty...which will, in time, earn theirs. Keep your priorities straight...Mission, people, self.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 8:26 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:26:42 -0400

Just some general advice on how to set yourself apart from your peers once you commission:

1) don't be a scumbag. The rank 2LT literally carries no weight, so don't walk around acting like you're a general. Because everyone knows you aren't worth anything. Eyes and ears open, mouth shut. Too many lieutenants out there think they run the show. They don't.

2) Don't be ate up. There are certain things that are easy to get right. So get them right. When you get to BOLC, you're gonna see other lieutenants make some mistakes that will have you questioning whether or not they're really in the army. Don't do stupid stuff like text in formation. If you ever get the opportunity to lead PRT, don't forget the exercises. Don't ever appear in the incorrect uniform, basic stuff you already know, but I promise you'll be surprised when your peers do them.

3)always be prepared, and always know what's going on. If you know you have to give a briefing of some sort , know what you're talking about. If you have the opportunity to practice what you'll have to do in advance , practice.

4) take every chance you get to learn something new. Especially at bolc. It's easy to lay low there. Don't. Volunteer for everything. Because then you'll come out ahead of your peers.

5) do the dirty work with your soldiers. As an officer you're really not above your soldiers. You can earn so much respect from them by helping them load up trucks, clean up after training, etc. don't think that you shouldn't be doing that because you're an officer.

And finally, remember you're the example. When things go wrong, when stuff is hard, people are gonna look at you to see how you react. And that's a big deal. Don't be that guy complaining about the weather at training. Don't sit there and get depressed because your plan didn't go quite the way you wanted it. Be resilient to everything.

I'm a relatively new LT, just finished bolc , so I can't give you much , but I have served on a staff and as a platoon leader, at the battalion and brigade level, so if you have any more questions feel free to ask

All the best.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 8:38 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:38:33 -0400

Talk to your peers a lot of 1LTs can help and give you advice. They might have been in similar situations and challenges you will experience. Your NCOs will give you lots of advice but, you get paid to make the decisions and are responsible for soldiers actions. This is the fine line all LTs walk their first couple of years.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:36:53 -0400

SSG Livingston nailed it. Since the dawn of time junior Soldiers have always ribbed the new LT's, (you can't spell LOST without LT, etc). However, those jokes are uneducated and naive... Remember, as a fresh 2LT you've got as much time as a junior SPC (who may have 2 yrs in), but are expected to perform to the same level as a SFC PSG (who has 12-16+ years of experience). Your more senior NCO's know what you have to go through, and they respect what you do. Those are the ones that will work hard for you, as long as you do the same.

Do NOT put your hands on your hips day one and say "I'm in charge, we do it my way". Your PSG knows the platoon, he's the guy your Soldiers listen to... He's the site foreman, you're the project manager. He runs the troops, you manage the platoon (mostly) behind the scene but are ultimately responsible for its success or failure. So listen to him, heed his advice, but don't get pushed around; if you disagree, tactfully seek advice from the commander or 1SG.

Response by COL Jonathan Cohen made Jun 7 at 2016 12:31 PM

COL Jonathan Cohen — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:31:52 -0400

Don't pretend that you know everything because the Soldiers, NCOs and Officers know you don't. Seek out your platoon sergeant and ask his advice on everything. Talk to the senior LTs and ask them for their advice early on. Be a sponge and absorb everything...the good and the bad. The Soldiers will respect you for your willingness to learn versus what you know or pretend to know. Advice I got as a second lieutenant and I continued to give throughout my career was this: 95% of the decisions you make mean little....just make a decision and stick by it. 3% of the decisions you make might get someone seriously injured so put thought into those decisions and seek advice of your NCOs...2% of the decisions you make could get someone killed so put serious thought into those decisions and ensure your NCOs are brought in early and heed their advice. Just my two cents. Good luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 5:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:22:00 -0400

Oh, and Chris Grimm , there is one more thing I want to add on top of my list that I already gave. Don't work to be a good leader. Strive to be a great leader.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 7 at 2016 5:27 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:27:19 -0400

Close your mouth and open your ears, and mind.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 7 at 2016 5:30 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:30:12 -0400

1) Lead by example. Don't require anything of your troops that you wouldn't do yourself.
2) Respect your NCOs and heed the advice they may give you. They have a lot more practical experience than you do. That being said, YOU are in charge, not them. It's your job to make the call.
3) When making the call, be decisive. It may be the wrong call, but LTs are expected to make mistakes (as long as you learn from them). Being indecisive is oftentimes worse than making the wrong call.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 6:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 18:01:27 -0400

Sums it up.

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Jun 7 at 2016 10:01 PM

LTC Jesse Edwards — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 22:01:30 -0400

Don't believe everything you were taught. Effective leadership is an art as much as a science. Be yourself but stay in charge.

Response by MAJ Michael McComber made Jun 7 at 2016 11:19 PM

MAJ Michael McComber — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 23:19:55 -0400

Listen...and read all that respond here.

Response by CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 1:16 AM

CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 01:16:27 -0400

The fact that you're asking this question means you are headed in the right direction. Maintain a balance of humility and authority. Learn as much and as often as you can. And learn to laugh...it helps.

Response by SSG Michael Hale made Jun 8 at 2016 8:31 AM

SSG Michael Hale — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 08:31:31 -0400

Respect the Leadership of your NCO's, you will an gain a great deal of respect as well as improved Leadership

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 2:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 14:11:55 -0400

Put your Soldiers before yourself, in everything you do. Expect to, and be OK with, eating last for chow, getting less sleep, being held to a higher standard, and taking hits for them. Just because you may be the same age as one of your Enlisted Soldiers or have the same amount of time in the Army, that doesn't mean you get to be treated the same, especially when it comes to responsibility for actions, be they individual or unit. You're wearing the Officer's rank. You're the leader. Also, be prepared to be watched like a hawk. Your Soldiers are going to be eyeing-up the new butter bar from Day 1. They want YOU to prove to them why you're good enough to lead them, both downrange and at home station, without them asking. They want you to show the initiative to show them that you've got what it takes to lead and will take care of them. The best advice I got when I reported to my unit was to make sure that my first PT test that my Soldiers saw me do was my best one. I worked my rear off and did it. It's amazing what 17 and a half minutes of physical activity did in regards to my credibility. Also, depending on your immediate plans right after commissioning, get your BOLC (branch-specific officer basic trainining) done as soon as you can. Your Soldiers will appreciate you reporting in with at least the domain knowledge of your branch and the very basics of officership. Plus it'll help your individual career with opportunities for military schooling and whatnot. That's just some of what you're signing up for as an Army Officer, and particularly as a Platoon Leader. It's the best job I could've imagined. SSG Thomas Livingston provided exceptional advice over a myriad of other things.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 11:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 23:10:48 -0400

To keep it short... Know how you fit in the organization, "stay in your lane" (don't be the dick-weed new officer who gives orders "because I can"). Know who you can go to, and then go and ask them questions! As cliche as the phrase is, "asses the situation", be cognizant of what is going on around you and within your unit. Know what right is, act thusly, then expect the same from others. Bottom line, give a shit, be an active participant. When you really engage yourself, things will become less new/overwhelming/difficult/etc.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 12:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:39:53 -0400

First off be a professional, regardless if you are in for four or for life you represent the Army and the Officer Corps to everyone. Second, listen and learn from the NCOs around you. The reason every level of Leadership (PL, CO, BC,) and so on have a NCO by their side is o have a sane and rational person that has been in for a longer period than them that they can learn from. Third, you will make mistakes along the way, make them learning points rather than continuous stumbles. Check or Hold?

Response by LTC Ken Bowers made Jun 9 at 2016 2:05 PM

LTC Ken Bowers — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:05:11 -0400

CDT Grimm,
First and always "set a good example, and lead by example"!
Develop strong skills in Land Nav, weapons, radios, first aid, preparing a PLT OPORD
Learn from your Sergeants
Be strong in your branch skills
Take responsibility for your Platoon (good or bad)
The 1SG works for the Company CDR (don't learn that the hard way)
Know your way around a formation
Get smart on safety, maintenance, and preparing to deploy your unit
Get additional schools before you report to your unit (Airborne, Air assault, Ranger)

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jun 9 at 2016 2:15 PM

CW2 Stephen Pate — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:15:21 -0400

https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/leaders-leave-your-ego-and-emotions-at-the-door
Read this and learn it!

Leaders- Leave your ego and emotions at the Door | RallyPoint

The Green Book Deep Dive – How to Avoid Emotion as a leader You must learn to deal with bad news for the good of the organization. It is imperative that leaders stop having negative reactions to information, news, or events. Do you wear your heart on your sleeve and your face? These three techniques will help prevent showing your immediate shock, disapproval, or disagreement when dealing with a Subordinate, Peer, or Superior. When Subordinates...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 1:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 13:34:02 -0400

Listen and pay attention to your NCO's. Don't come in thinking you know anything allow them to do there job and groom you into the Officer your Soldiers need you to be.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Jun 10 at 2016 2:26 PM

CPT Robert Boshears — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 14:26:31 -0400

Look at being a "butter bar" like being on probation. Listen to every soldier, and learn to keep your mouth shut.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 4:21 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 04:21:19 -0400

Find a good mentor or several senior officers that you can reach out to when you have questions.

Response by LTC Matthew Robinson made Jun 16 at 2016 8:23 PM

LTC Matthew Robinson — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 20:23:45 -0400

Always be ready to learn. Your NCOs will bend over backwards to help you if they believe you will listen and take them seriously. Do not be afraid to make a decision. If things go well, pass the credit on to your subordinates. If things go badly, take the blame on your own shoulders. Remember, you need physical as well as moral courage, and the latter is frequently the most difficult. One final thing, guard your integrity. Your word is your bond.

Response by 1LT John Heddens made Jun 17 at 2016 12:23 PM

1LT John Heddens — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:23:17 -0400

I would also suggest learning from brand new butter bars that were prior enlisted. Those guys would be far less susceptible to the "Good Idea Fairy" and all the ridiculous impractical ideas a lot of 2LTs dream up. West Pointers, bless their hearts, are at times the worst of this- and immediately lose the respect of their peers and subordinates. I'm sure they make the best Generals- but prior enlisted cats make the best Company officers- IMO. So learn from them during your BOLC phase.