What advice do you have for a soon-to-be Team Leader??

2016-01-06T15:31:38-05:00

At my paygrade, there is a distinct possibility that I will be placed in a Team Leader slot at my new assignment. Outside of "read FM 21.8," which I am already doing, what advice can my RP comrades offer for an upcoming Team Leader in an Infantry Unit??

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 3:33 PM

2016-01-06T15:33:15-05:00

Pay attention to your squad leaders. Teach, coach, and mentor your soldiers. Live the NCO creed every single day.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 6 at 2016 3:41 PM

2016-01-06T15:41:23-05:00

The biggest thing you can do is set the example of what you want your people to be. Talk is cheap but YOU are the trainer if you want those to follow, then you lead. There's a reason the infantry says, "Follow Me".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-01-06T15:42:41-05:00

Always be next to your guys, doing what they're doing. For example, if your guys have to be in the motorpool doing maintenance, don't be one of those NCOs that makes an excuse to not be there (I've seen it so much). If there is a shitty detail, be there with them doing it. Always remember what leaders did that annoyed the hell out of you, and not do those things. Never have that mentality of "I had to do it, they should too", bullshit, do what you can to have your guys avoid doing dumb stuff. Stand up for your guys. That will make them respect you, and it will build your credibility.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 3:48 PM

2016-01-06T15:48:38-05:00

Other than the extremely sound and excellent advice already posted, I will add this: Take all the good and bad leaders you have had in your entire time in service, take what worked and what didn't, then mold it and make it your own.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Jan 6 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-01-06T15:49:44-05:00

Maintain your professionalism. Take the first few weeks to observe and learn. What works, doesn't work, how the team gets along. You can learn a lot by watching. Get shoulders deep in your units SOP and make sure its part of your team and day to day ops.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 6 at 2016 4:07 PM

2016-01-06T16:07:50-05:00

This is a great question. First of all, set the example. Remember that everything you do will be watched and observed by junior ranks. You have to remember that at all times you represent what an Army leader and NCO are (i.e "Be, Know, Do" in 6-22). If you act and look ate up and unprofessional, there's a good chance your team will be ate up. The squad leader will look bad and the platoon sergeant will look bad and no one wants that.

One of the most useful pieces of advice I got at PLDC (BLC now) was to approach problems and tasks like you work for your subordinates but obviously act like they work for you. Ask yourself 'what are the tools my guys need to get this job done right?' and help them. At your stage it might be as simple as taking 5 extra minutes to make sure they have everything they need before training so they have time to get squared away before its too late. If they have problems of any kind, help them fix it. And don't tell your soldiers that you don't have time for them. It makes it look like you feel your free time is more important then theirs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-01-06T16:11:37-05:00

Take care of your Soldiers! I will not spend time reiterating the other great advice you received but genuinely care for your Soldiers. Also remember that you can get your point across without screaming and belittling. Give your Soldiers homework: Make up scenarios and have your Soldiers make counseling statements, etc. If you sign for equipment, sub handreceipt to your number 2 person, it will give them the feeling of ownership and it will teach the responsibility. Do not act like you know everything, you dont. Soldiers are really smart, encourage them to come up with solutions to problems. If you don't like something, gripe about it with your peers, never do it in front of Soldiers, they will take on that mentality. Lastly, have fun. You are learning about Leadership, you are going to mess up, take the hit and move on. Always remember, as a Leader you may be the first and only impression of Leadership in the Army for a Soldier. Be the Leader you would want to have!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 6 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-01-06T16:14:11-05:00

Care about them and their families. You will make them better professionally an personally. You will fight for them and be fair in the rewards and details.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 4:16 PM

2016-01-06T16:16:01-05:00

I think the MOST important thing is get to know your soldiers! There strengths and their weaknesses. Assist them with their weaknesses and allow their strengths to make you stronger.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jan 6 at 2016 4:39 PM

2016-01-06T16:39:53-05:00

Lots of good advice here, but I'll add one specifically directed at your pay grade: As a SPC, it will be real tempting to create "buddy bonds" as you arrive at your new unit. Try to resist that urge, because once you have a team and the obvious next step, pin on stripes, you'll have to break those bonds later. Be approachable, be friendly (as long as they let you), but keep the relationships professional.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 4:55 PM

2016-01-06T16:55:35-05:00

Get smart on counseling. Techniques and follow up.
Figure out what style fits your personality. Are you a teacher, a "lead by example" guy, or a coach? Whichever fits you best is how you should form your approach.
Don't try to be something that you're not. Stay within your abilities and your lane, and grow from there.
If you don't know, find out.
Get on the same page as your Platoon Sergeant and find ways to support his objectives and goals.
Diligently work to master every piece of equipment utilized by your team, if you haven't done so already.
Understand that you may not be the smartest guy in the room. If someone else has a good idea, try it.

As always, if you ever have a question or need a sounding board, I am at your service.
Good luck with the new gig, SPC Private RallyPoint Member! Being a Team Leader as a Corporal was the best job I ever had in the Army until I got a company.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 5:34 PM

2016-01-06T17:34:19-05:00

Lead by example, and do not ask your men to do anything that you would not do yourself. Your job is to mentor and make each of your men, a better soldier. Provide each of your men the opportunity to lead in certain tasks. The most important thing, is to earn the respect of the men that you lead.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Jan 6 at 2016 6:02 PM

2016-01-06T18:02:04-05:00

Become an expert at your task! Commanders need to depend on you as the subject matter expert. The best way to do that is to soak up as must experience and advice as you can from the knowledgible senior NCO's in your unit. You'll know who they are quickly! Good luck.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jan 6 at 2016 6:28 PM

2016-01-06T18:28:03-05:00

Be technically & tactically proficient. Mission ALWAYS has priority. Take care of your men --and the mission will take care of itself. Operate with humility ...and keep learning! Know the jobs of your subordinates --and allow them to do it. Start learning the roles & responsibilities of those over you --as you may have to do their job soon enough. Congrats on "bumping up" in your billet!

By the way, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, this is exactly the kind of questions/response that I love to see on RP! Great way to utilize this RP tool!

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 6:38 PM

2016-01-06T18:38:22-05:00

You are the example, and your troops will emulate you. Let me repeat and emphasize that. You are the example - every day, every hour, every minute. Think about how you've watched your leaders in the past - your people will watch you the same way. They will do what you do - even when you think they can't see you. Never forget that. If you want them to be good troops, be a good troop. If you want them to cut corners and shirk - go ahead and cut corners and shirk... because you will ALWAYS be the example for them.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 6 at 2016 7:42 PM

2016-01-06T19:42:03-05:00

A few tips for you.
1- Never forget where you came from.
2- Don't forget that YOU are in charge. However, you can always learn from your troops, don't shut somone down just because they are new or/and junior to you. Anyone can have great idea.
3. Don't do or say stupid stuff.
4. Take care of your troops.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 7:42 PM

2016-01-06T19:42:06-05:00

The best advice I can give you from what I be experience so far is...
1. Know your soldiers. You should know each of your soldiers at the TL level like they are your best friends. Just remember, they're not your friends, they're your soldiers.
2. Respect them, and they'll respect you.
I mean I don't know about anyone else but personally I Iike the fact that my soldiers like me. You shouldn't just thrive upon the Regulation mandated respect. After all, you'd really prefer someone who respect you for real and not cause a sheet of paper says they need to right? Just remember its leadership, not likership. I told one of my when I had to get into his ass one day that I was there for him to like, I'm here to lead him. But he gained respect for when I told him that cause basically I said I care more about developing you to be great at your job and being a solider more than your opinion of me.
3. IF you can, do the work with them.
You're entering a new real where you can delegate and will be a supervisor at times. This doesn't mean your no above grabbing that mop and mopping a floor at the end of the day, or maybe after a layout, you could help the soldier pack his stuff back up instead of just saying "pack it up" and walking away.
and then #4
Have a backbone!

You have a little more leeway now. Youre in a SGT slot as a a SPC. The respect should still be shown as your not the same rank as your fellow E5 TL's, but you'll be able to talk a lot more with them, and what not, and your squad leader as well. However, don't let yourself get walked on. If something is wrong, or your team is getting worked to death, stand up for them/all of you. Make it known there is two other teams who can help with the load.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 6 at 2016 8:27 PM

2016-01-06T20:27:08-05:00

One of the most important things is to remain yourself. Don't become a caricature of what you think a leader should be. Being a leader is a journey. You will learn what style fits you best. Look out for your soldiers. This doesnt mean you have to babysit them. Ensure they are equipted, fed, paid and have moral support for personal issues. Above all ensure they are properly trained.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-01-06T21:09:03-05:00

Think back to the team leaders you've had and along with the Creed of the Non Commissioned Officer figure out the good and the bad of what they exemplified. Then lead by example.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Jan 6 at 2016 11:05 PM

2016-01-06T23:05:54-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member - Stay up to date on career-specific items and be the source of information for your people. Also, instill tradition and pride with them, especially when your folks are questioning the validity of some of the mundane tasks. Never let your integrity falter - if you do, you're done as a leader. When you get to this level, you find that you work more for your people than they do for you, and if you devote yourself to their needs and development (their "care and feeding") you will be a great leader and they will go out of their way for you. Most of all, have fun with it. Leadership is one of the most awesome things about going up in rank and what you do for them will impact the Army for years to come through their careers.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 1:48 AM

2016-01-07T01:48:32-05:00

This is the time where you can start honing in your leadership style. Learn what motivates your soldiers, make that unpopular decisions, know their strengths and weaknesses. Widen your periphery and be very observant of your peers and superiors as you will see their success and failures. More often than not you are the big brother and at times act like a father. Know their personal lives and what I mean by this knowing them without having to look in their data sheet. You'd be surprise what this could mean to them. When YOU have been assigned a task, take YOUR team and do it with them. You may be in a "supervisory" role/position but you're still a worker bee in your superiors eyes. Don't make that same mistake that many young NCOs do/does/did. You'll be the guy to set the tone for your team. Monkey see, monkey do. You're still at the very bottom of the leadership pole and can be easily replaced. Failure to perform at this level only means the next smarter, mature and motivated guy is ready to take your place. Plenty of good to great NCOs around and it doesn't have to be within your section. You have plenty of room to grow professionally and personally. Don't be afraid to make mistakes just don't do the same mistake twice. You'll do just fine. Last but not least, always place them first.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 7 at 2016 2:49 PM

2016-01-07T14:49:25-05:00

Lead from the front and always be a servant leader. Praise in public, discipline in private. Give all the unit praise to your soldiers and take the hits when you have too. Hold people to the standards with accountability across the board. People will tell you they don't like discipline but when something goes wrong they want to be part of a well oiled machine that takes care of business...with a leader that takes care of them.

Response by SSG John Caples made Jan 7 at 2016 6:29 PM

2016-01-07T18:29:02-05:00

First off get to know your guy's that you will be leading and pay attention to each and every one of there needs and strengths and weakness's , your weakest warrior is the strongest.

Response by SSG Steven Dowell made Jan 7 at 2016 10:22 PM

2016-01-07T22:22:14-05:00

The most important thing is to have a good professional relationship with your soldiers. Finding a good balance in between remembering what it was to be a soldier and being a leader helped me when I was a SPC team leader, and using what I learned then helped me refine those skills to instill in my soldiers when I became a sergeant and my specialists had their own teams.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 12:14 PM

2016-01-08T12:14:40-05:00

Thank you all so much for giving me your input. Every bit of it helps. I want to be the best leader that I can, and be the dependable one that my CoC can come to with any task, confident that it will be completed.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-01-08T17:14:31-05:00

Listen to your guys

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Jan 9 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-01-09T15:52:20-05:00

Know your job and be an expert on all the weapon systems in your team, Lead by example- be fit. You can no longer hang out with your team members, a beer or two will not be a problem. Be consistent and fair. Don't say you going to do something and don't. Be loyal to your team and they will return it . Have a good sense of humor.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Sep 27 at 2017 7:34 PM

2017-09-27T19:34:26-04:00

1) Learn the responsibilities of a Team Leader
2) Lead by example know your soldiers position
3) Treat everyone fairly even the ones who may be slow or a knuckle head
4) Be a listener to complaints and problems before reacting
5) Go the extra mile to accomplish missions
6) Seek advice from your superiors to become a better leader

Response by SGT Thomas Mitchell made Dec 28 at 2017 8:23 AM

2017-12-28T08:23:53-05:00

Ssg McKinney's response is excellent. I would add that you need to think like a parent with adolescents since many of your subordinates will be adolescents. You don't need to be their friend. They can find their own friends. Lead by example. A team leader protects his subordinates from bs flowing downhill while protecting superiors for bs filtering up from below.
'

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Dec 28 at 2017 9:52 AM

2017-12-28T09:52:00-05:00

Remember that your hat size does not change with additional responsibility.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 1 at 2021 1:41 PM

2021-02-01T13:41:46-05:00

learn how to delegate and take care of others. learn to anticipate problems and have a contingency plan. Most of all, find a mentor