What advice can you give for a new NCO to become a better leader?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 23:42:21 -0400

I have been reading, learning, and watching. Just looking for anything more that will make a me a better leader.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 12:03 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 00:03:31 -0400

Your subordinates will emulate you - for better or worse. If you cut a corner, they will see that as acceptable and they'll do the same. If they see you slide out of something, they'll expect it as well.
Like the old Traits of an NCO listed, SET THE EXAMPLE that you want to see in your people.

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Jul 5 at 2020 1:46 AM

GySgt Gary Cordeiro — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 01:46:41 -0400

Lead by example.
Know your weaknesses and seek self improvement.
Eat last, leaders congregate at the end of the chow line, shut up and listen.
Lead by example.
Know your weaknesses and weaknesses of others.....

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 5 at 2020 2:27 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 02:27:16 -0400

I learned this from the best Leader and smartest Soldier I ever knew. I have posted it on RP Before but it is a quote:
"Barring the exigent circumstances found only in Combat, and then only when it can not be avoided, You as a leader, should NEVER mess with your troops Food, Sleep, or Mail. Food goes without saying, Sleep, because tired Soldiers are not on their A Game, and Mail because it is a link to why they are fighting." This Truth is Common Sense and should be required learning.

The other thing is "Worth's Battalion Orders":
"But an officer on duty knows no one -- to be partial is to dishonor both himself and the object of his ill-advised favor. What will be thought of him who exacts of his friends that which disgraces him? Look at him who winks at and overlooks offenses in one, which he causes to be punished in another, and contrast him with the inflexible soldier who does his duty faithfully, notwithstanding it occasionally wars with his private feelings. The conduct of one will be venerated and emulated, the other detested as a satire upon soldiership and honor." Brevet Major William Jenkins Worth

The first quote is self explanatory The Second, Worth's Battalion Orders, in plain English means that In the performance of your duty you have no friends and MUST treat each of your troops exactly the same. No Favorites, nor do you hold a grudge. If you are going to cut a guy a First Time break, then be consistent. BE HONEST, TELL THE TRUTH and EARN the trust of your troopers, They deserve to have a leader that is a man of Honor, a Soldier and NCO not just a stripe wearer. The Wars with his private feelings means the guy you have to discipline because he earned the HEAT round, friend or not friend of yours is treated the same, NO CUTTING A BREAK TO BUDDIES.

It is tough, but You...YOU can do it because your Chain promoted you, had faith in you and you earned it...BUT you have to KEEP EARNING IT by being the BEST NCO you can be.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 3:10 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 03:10:59 -0400

I know your going to get a lot of advice here but this is my .2 cents.

Mission first, people always!
Remember without your subordinates respect your mission can and will be compromised.
You will be the one who they come to for support and advise, whether it’s for the military side or civilian side. I’m not saying be their best friend but have their back if possible when they need you. If you do that they will follow you to Hell and back.
Good luck Sgt.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 5 at 2020 5:22 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 05:22:08 -0400

Just do your best, don't treat your underlings like dirt, but on the flip side don't let them treat you the same way, use respect and treat them fairly.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 9:20 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 09:20:47 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Learn by your mistakes and do not make the same mistake twice. Lead by example and work on any areas that you are weak in.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 9:47 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 09:47:56 -0400

Accomplish the mission. Look after your people.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 10:42 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 10:42:27 -0400

Listen more than you talk. Observe more than you physically see. Watch your Six. And find a good Top or SGM to serve as your mentor.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 5 at 2020 11:00 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 11:00:11 -0400

Seek a mentor, Read the Creed and understand it. Speak to your mentor about hit. Figure out how to employ is within your daily activity. Lead from the front, find time to speak to your Sokdiers, know what makes them tick. Take leaderships guidance and directives determine how to execute best based on the abilities of your Soldiers and own the result. Never play the blame game. All leaders falter, it is how you get back in it, facing leaders and subordinates. Commit to excellence and treat your Soldiers with respect.

Response by SFC Shannon Meloy made Jul 5 at 2020 12:44 PM

SFC Shannon Meloy — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 12:44:59 -0400

Don't ever ask people to do anything that you wouldn't do and work side by side help them to be better and reach for higher goals hold accountability and uphold the values

Response by SFC James Cameron made Jul 5 at 2020 1:42 PM

SFC James Cameron — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 13:42:23 -0400

Sergeants tell subordinates “(you) go do” Leaders say “Lets go do”

Never display doubt in yourself, the mission, or superiors in front of your subordinates.

Embrace the Creed as your job description and have the courage to hold your peers accountable.

Response by SGT David Shanley Jr. made Jul 5 at 2020 2:10 PM

SGT David Shanley Jr. — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 14:10:04 -0400

Ensuring that you take care of your soldiers is very important. If you send them to (I.E) the arms room. Drive by unannounced to ask them face to face if they're ok. If they need a lunch break or anything. Ensuring you are readily available to them is something they'll see and will appreciate. Have empathy. Make sure they know their resources. Make sure if they need you to to do something paperwork related to them, keep them updated, even if there is no update. Be the leader you wanted, be the leader you needed. We are also mentors, if they are performing well make sure to tell them they did good. Most people react well to good verbal counseling. If they are performing sub par or substandard, do not just go from 0-100 if you will. Take them aside ask them if is anything going that you should be aware of. (please note if you are a higher rank, you need to understand they may think your forcing them to talk, so tell them they do not have to tell you, nor can you make them) but give them resources, make sure they are aware of that they can not be forced to talk.

Side note: Long time ago we had a Officer chewing out a PFC for poor work performance. Just constant mistakes, late to work, late to formation, they seemed absent minded. There was an obvious and blatant issue behind the matters. Then when they forced the soldier to speak up they yelled back about being sexually assaulted this was a male, assaulted by another male. Who essentially felt "ordered" to speak up. Unfortunately because of that, the report was unrestricted. The officer was then obligated to tell the SARC. As well having an investigation started. So be cautious that officer opened up a can of worms he had no business opening, nor did he know how to handle the situation. So just ensure that they know there are circumstances in which they can say no. I use this example for all my soldiers, because it was something I saw that, had that soldiers nco told them they can say no (prior) it wouldnt have turned out the way it did. Just take care of them and ensure they know their resources.
When counseling them on paper ensure they are present, it is a discussion between the leader and the soldier about performance, setting goals, meeting goals, setting a higher standard morally about respecting others.

Response by SGT David Shanley Jr. made Jul 5 at 2020 2:15 PM

SGT David Shanley Jr. — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 14:15:30 -0400

Also ensure you draw a line between leader and soldier. They might have been friends with you prior to your promotion, but ensure they switch gears so to speak as you will have too, and its more difficult for them to adjust to having a friend or work friend they were on the same level as and your're now in charge. Be adaptable, every solider is different and you have to adapt to them as much they have to adapt to you. Remain approachable, if they're afraid to talk to you, you're doing something wrong.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 2:35 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 14:35:48 -0400

Take care of your people and they'll take care of you.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Jul 5 at 2020 4:11 PM

CPO Nate S. — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 16:11:37 -0400

Continue to improve!

Others have responded with: (1) Setting the example; (2) Seeking a mentor; (3) Learning form your mistakes; (4) knowing weaknesses, and so many other tidbits.

But, most of all exemplify the Golden Rule. To get respect - give respect. Setup those you will be leading - for success!!! Give your soldiers every opportunity to achieve success. Be a straight shooter!

Also, know the regulations, never assume. Read them for yourself and "be prepared". You don't have to have all the answers, but you need to know where to find the answers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 5:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 17:14:51 -0400

first off, ensure help soldiers in their issues, and once you submit their.paperwork. always take care of them but of course reward.them if they did good and recommend punishment if its habitual, and they dont listen. earn the respect. once you gave them task,.check afterwards and if they are not done, take your own time. always lead in the front, not on the back.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Jul 5 at 2020 7:15 PM

1SG Joseph Dartey — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 19:15:58 -0400

Remember that you came up through the ranks to the position/rank you are currently at. Always praise in public and punish in private. Treat your subordinate with dignity, courtesy and respect and you will find out that it will go a long way and most of the time, they will always have your back in any situation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 7:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 19:38:03 -0400

Be yourself

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Jul 5 at 2020 9:21 PM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 21:21:02 -0400

Take an interest in your Soldiers. Really get to know them, train them, even learn from them. Set the example by being present, hold your Soldiers accountable and hold yourself accountable. The biggest mistake I see young NCOs make is that they get comfortable and think they’ve “made it”. No no need to work anymore. Counsel your Soldiers, not for behavior but for development. Make clear what you expect and what they can expect of you as their leader then ask them to hold you accountable. But most of all, CARE.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 10:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 22:29:58 -0400

Inspire your subordinates with the professionalism and knowledge that got you NCO. In doing so, they'll follow.
Congratulations on your promotion Sargent.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2020 1:42 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 01:42:46 -0400

Do not consider your leading style to be important. If you hope others will follow and obey due to YOUR leadership style, you will fail. It is not your subordinates jobs to appeal to your leadership style, it is your job to appeal to their needs and motivations as followers to drive them forward.

Response by SPC Kenneth Dowdle made Jul 6 at 2020 3:45 AM

SPC Kenneth Dowdle — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 03:45:05 -0400

Everything I've read so far is great advice, but also listen to your soldiers when they have an intelligent idea on completing a mission a different way. I'm not saying to always ask for their advice, but sometimes someone may have a better way. I encountered some NCOs that thought that just because I was a lower rank that anything that came out of my mouth was idiotic, not saying that some of it wasn't lol, but just listen

Response by PO3 Jay Rose made Jul 6 at 2020 4:46 AM

PO3 Jay Rose — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 04:46:00 -0400

I would say that’s a GREAT START, you have the DESIRE to become a better leader, but not everything will come from books, and some of it may be simple advice that just needs to be practiced over-and-over again. Like anything else, it will take time to learn how to lead, you WILL MAKE MISTAKES, but those mistakes will serve as VALUABLE LESSONS, so don’t be too hard on yourself when you make them. I am now going to brainstorm the top ten items that first come to mind:

1. BE TRUE: If you’re going to lead, you’re going to HAVE TO BE GENUINE. Those serving under you 100% KNOW when their leader is ‘ACTING’ like he cares, but in reality does not. You’re gonna have those under you that you will think are a pleasure, and you will also have some ‘hard heads’ under you. BE TRUE TO THEM ALL. If you properly train the ‘hard heads’ and show that you’re a caring mentor, they may become your top performers! You get what you put in!

2. SEEK A MENTOR: Just like you will now be a mentor, you will need to find one that can really show you what to do via their own experiences. You’ll want a mentor really willing to teach and listen, and one that has done the same job as you. A mid to senior NCO is a great choice. You will NEED to be able to TAKE CRITICISM and use it to your advantage! You always want to know what you could do better! Continually make room to learn, and to grow!

3. BE HUMBLE: It may sound easy, but a little power can get to ones head, especially if they’ve never been in a supervisory position before. Be courteous. Be polite. Don’t yell when it’s not necessary. It’s not basic training anymore. Just remember that NOBODY knows everything, and keep that close to your heart. Strive to know as much as you can, but realize that you’re just as human as the next guy or girl on your team!

4. KNOW WHEN TO COUNSEL: I actually hate that term, but the military likes ‘counseling’ people for everything and anything. Unless it’s super-important, the paper is ONLY GOING TO MAKE THINGS WORSE. Keep this little thought perpetually in the back of your head: PRAISE IN PUBLIC, PUNISH IN PRIVATE... and DON’T TAKE MORE THAN ONE MINUTE to do so unless it’s absolutely called for. You want respect, not hatred or friendship from the team you lead.

5. GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY: A good leader will work with their team, along-side them, and NEVER just “bark out” orders and watch. Be on the lookout for junior members of your team struggling and work your way over to help them. Maybe someone is struggling to finish a run with the rest of the team, well, run to them and motivate them along-side. Maybe even get behind them for a second if they seem like their going to quit, and give them an extra push while saying “your making it through with the rest of the team, I will see to that, now come on! You can do this!” You will be MUCH more appreciated for it!

6. YOU’RE NOT THEIR FRIEND: You’re their leader, and this is the point In your career where you learn what fraternization really means. If your team thinks you are their friend, they wont give you the level of respect that you deserve. You wont be able to ask them to get things done if they’re your friends. The bottom line, is BE REAL with them, but SET THE BAR with how friendly you become, and stick with it!

7. TRAINING: Learn how-to train your team properly, and have them pass on those skills to the next person on the team. There are methodologies behind training, some work better than others. My favorite is (a) show how it’s done, then (b) you still do the task, but they tell you the steps, this will allow you to show and correct actions at the same time, then (c) they will do the task with you coaching them through, and finally (d) they now do the task alone with you simply watching. On a side note, just remember one thing, they say muscle memory is created by doing a task 1,000 times. It really does work (and is used all the time in martial arts training, which is 90% muscle memory)!

8. CREATE AN ASSISTANT: You will want to find someone with promise on your team, and even if you have to CREATE THE POSITION OF 'ASSISTANT TEAM LEADER‘ (or the like), you should 100% do so! First, you'll be amazed on what you can teach, and help strengthen someone in the process. Second, you will have a TRUSTED ALLY that could stand in your place if something comes up, e.g. you have to go to medical. It also shows your higher-up that you're thinking and taking the position seriously.

9. ALWAYS ADMIT WHEN YOU MADE A MISTAKE: I mean instantaneously, if you get 'caught' making a mistake, ever again, even in the civilian world, simply own up to it! Apologize for making the mistake. Understand what you did. Say that it will not happen again (within reason of course).

10. BE THEIR SUN, AND LET THEM BE YOUR MOON: Huh? What??? This is more simple than it sounds, the moon is not in itself a light source, it rather reflects the powerful light of the sun. The sun is the light-source, and without it the moon is dark. Be the "sun" for your team! You want to look the part, talk the part, act the part, etc., and human nature will do the rest as they will gravitate into reflecting you and your actions. Look sharp! Dress sharp! Be sharp!

Finally, I chose such a metaphor above because they say to “think outside of the box,” I say THINK BIGGER. Is the box still not a constraint?! Always look for the most INNOVATIVE ways to do things! THINK BIG! DON’T LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHERWISE (as they themselves are the types that are set in their ways, and are afraid of change, which is ultimately inevitable, but use youth to your advantage while you can!)

Again, this is just a quick list that I am throwing together, but it's based on my 20+ years of managing people, remember that, no matter what you manage, IT ALL COMES DOWN TO ONE THING: THE PEOPLE! There may be more if I sat down that I could write, but this is the reason why I brainstormed this list in the first place. I wanted to ensure that my personal top priorities get dictated for you, and why. It's late, and I have to get some sleep, but if you have any specific questions, please feel free to 'hit me up' and I will be more than happy to answer whatever I could to the best of my ability. Best of luck to you in ALL of your endeavors!

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jul 6 at 2020 9:06 AM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 09:06:47 -0400

You already have made a good start - you have an interest in finding out how to improve your skills. You will find there is not a lack of leadership information (or advice) out there and everyone has their preferred method. So, here is my advice: 1) understand that leadership is not management (leading is about people while management is about things (metrics, etc.); 2) understand yourself first, and I'd suggest taking a free version of the Big 5 Factor Model to understand these factors and find out where you fall (this matters since it will give you clue about yourself and others on personality - this is important). Next, learn about Emotional Intelligence since that has a lot about how to relate to people (a book called Primal Leadership by Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee is good). If you need more to read, I can send you a short book I wrote based on my dissertation that provides a summary/overview of leadership styles and theory (its called "Management Matters"). After all of that, find a mentor that you trust, has integrity, and you feel has your interest in mind. This person would be someone to help guide you and give you honest feedback. I hope this helps. Let me know how it works out...

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Jul 6 at 2020 10:11 AM

Sgt Jordan Foster — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 10:11:38 -0400

This post really hit me. Idk if your just looking for book knowledge or looking for something to implement into your leadership style.? But something I’ve noticed and found helpful is..your juniors idolize you until you show them you don’t care or have a fuck it attitude, and even then the juniors under you that have that attitude will gravitate to you. Now after realizing that I had to do some self reflection as to what kind of leader I was going to be. After figuring that out I decided to make it my mission to make the worst person( in my case Marine) a person that is promotion ready I gave him a job and made him report to me every morning for uniform inspection daily tasks and coffee (because coffee is always needed) This gives you purpose other than your day to day and gives your junior a reason to push. The respect level you will get from this will be incredible. (Ex. Soldiers at parade rest while on the phone with you across the motor pool) This action set the tone for my platoon and created a mentorship program That is more than just a monthly counseling. And gives you a go to. I’m not saying befriend a lower rank set your dominance destroy them for failing and make it aware their reward in the end is their promotion readiness and you hold that in your hand. You can message me if this is something you want to know more about brotha.

Response by A1C Riley Sanders made Jul 6 at 2020 12:25 PM

A1C Riley Sanders — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 12:25:14 -0400

I believe you are on the right track, Keep thinking like that and your leadership will pay off with Just rewards,