What are a few resources you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader at any level?

2016-04-17T10:28:34-04:00

What are a few resources that you'd recommend to any individual to become a better leader at any level?

What type of training would recommend above and beyond the normal military training?

How important is it to gain insight into becoming a better leader at any level?

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Apr 17 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-04-17T10:30:22-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs ,
I feel that personal experience serves as the best teacher. However, there are some great books out there too. John C. Maxwell has published some gems.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-04-17T10:32:01-04:00

SSG Derrick L. Lewis i agree with the personal experiec

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-04-17T10:34:09-04:00

A mix of training from different types of media - computer-based (Skillport, JKO), readings (7-22.7, 6-22, stories, books, and articles), self-reflection, seeking mentorship from seniors and those with similar experiences, and seeking feedback from subordinates and peers.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-04-17T10:49:11-04:00

These recommendations may or may not be for all so before individually assigning these "self help readings", make sure the recipient enjoys self help readings and has a little interest in basic psychology. All books are written by MD's an helped immensely when I took my time and read them taking plenty of time to rationalize what I read. # 1. I'm OK, You're OK. # 2, Games People Play, and # 3, Born to Win.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 17 at 2016 10:51 AM

2016-04-17T10:51:38-04:00

The best source I found were FM's and TM's, plus listening to the advice of others.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 17 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-04-17T11:20:10-04:00

Reading well written books by leaders is a great resource for improving our ability to lead while being humble enough to recognize we don't know it all and can learn from our subordinates, peers and leaders COL Mikel J. Burroughs.
I highly recommend Attacks by Erwin Rommel and On Infantry by John A. English. While these books are focused on combat arms they can benefit anybody who reads them.
The Holy Bible is a great resource for any believer or historian for that matter.
Prayer keeps us close to God and that is one of the best ways to grow in wisdom.

Response by 1SG David Williams made Apr 17 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-04-17T11:30:55-04:00

Try to find books or publiscations about being a servant leadership.

It is a style of leadership that is tough by many large companies. Best one I can think of is Fedex.

They normally talk about a leadership style that would allow you put your people first and how to place them in a place where they came do their job and grown by proving the tools to do the job and you being a teacher and mentor as will as their leader.

Quick note: Jesus was a servant leader.

David Williams

Response by SGT Dave Brimmer, MS, MPA made Apr 17 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-04-17T11:37:06-04:00

Read the books that Colin Powell has authored. He has impeccable insight and experience. I wrote to him while I was deployed last time asking for leadership advice and he wrote back a note on his letterhead that included his thirteen rules for effective leadership. He also floated me a copy of his book ,"Soldier." Good stuff.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 17 at 2016 12:10 PM

2016-04-17T12:10:31-04:00

I incorporated fun into the unit. A unit that laughs together is not a stressed out unit. After SGTs time I would BBQ steaks and ribs for the troops. Sometimes we did potlucks. I would send two soldiers at a time to fly on MEDEVAC choppers. The soldiers went to my office and inspected them for tags and Kevlar. Then I issued them barf bags that I swiped from commercial planes. We did a karaoke gong for the Christmas party.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 17 at 2016 12:18 PM

2016-04-17T12:18:09-04:00

Leading should be easy.

Look ahead. If you feel like Sisyphus pushing boulders uphill, you're doing it wrong.

Now look behind. If no one's following, you're doing it wrong. If they are, keep on leading.

Lastly, look at your leaders. Are you following them or are they pushing you. If you're following, follow their example. If they're pushing, don't.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-04-17T12:32:43-04:00

LISTEN

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Apr 17 at 2016 1:08 PM

2016-04-17T13:08:03-04:00

I hope everyone gets this. Standing under here and listening. Very informal, but extremely important, You would be amazed at the knowledge that is given under these limbs, some retained, most disregarded. When I was at Riley, they actually had posters up telling NCO's and Soldiers to go out there and talk and learn. They ACTUALLY did this. You would see Soldiers and NCO's on the hill under various tree's talking (some smoking and joking too), but they were there. Oak Tree counseling is an effective tool even in the civilian world (if they understood it's use), as a means to bring up subjects that are touchy, sketchy, and questionable, and get feedback that is honest and not humiliating. I think in the civilian world this would be seen as an "off site", and due to costs, wouldn't be implemented often.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-04-17T14:02:21-04:00

Read. I have never finished a book on leadership. I have however read many by and about leaders. I would recommend "From the Hopeless to the Hardcore" by Col Hackworth, and "Blackhearts, One Platoons Decent Into Madness," by Jim Frederick. Read anything by Col Plaster. "Across The Fence," John Stryker Myer. "Five Years to Freedom" LTC Nick Rowe. These books describe what leaders DO in combat, and how it was conducted effectively, except for "Blackhearts," which describes the opposite.

Response by LT Erik Frederick made Apr 17 at 2016 2:56 PM

2016-04-17T14:56:33-04:00

One book I am a huge fan of is "True North" by Bill George. Unlike other books on leadership, True North helps you tease out your own individual values and leadership purpose. Dont get me wrong. You wont learn to lead from a book but the introspection will help you better understand "why" you want to lead so that you can then figure out the "how."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 6:57 PM

2016-04-17T18:57:54-04:00

S.L.L.S. Stop. Look. Listen. Smell. You can judge a lot about a person when you give them "power". See how that person is able to interact with his Soldiers. How he gets them to do what needs to be done. Sometimes that power causes people to forget where they came from. They forgot the day when they said " I will never be like that!". Look at the Leadership styles and figure out what fits you best. Adopt some, adapt some and learn what gets your subordinates attention. People appreciate the Leader that can personalize his styles to his Soldiers and still demand the same standard. It creates a professional relationship not a systematic chain of command.

Response by MSG Mac McGuire made Apr 17 at 2016 7:29 PM

2016-04-17T19:29:46-04:00

I have always tried to work by taking time. Time to know the people you work for. Time to know the people you work with, and time to know the people who work for you. I have always tried to take time to truly be helpful of people who come to see me with an issue. If I can't solve the issue then I attempt to find someone who can. This has worked for me for the better part of 50 years in the military and as a DA civilian. I have been around the world and this always seems to work.

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Apr 17 at 2016 11:57 PM

2016-04-17T23:57:23-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, this is a great discussion, Sir. Believe it or not, my recommendation is the manual on Army Leadership. One of my squad leaders recommended it when I was a young Specialist with a short-term goal of being promoted to Sergeant. I read FM 22-100 within about one week's time. I was a much better Soldier just for taking the time to understand what leadership looks like from the Army's perspective. I'm sure that it is an ADP (Army Doctrine Publication) these days, but I doubt that the principles of leadership have changed.
Leaders lead, develop, and achieve. They have character, competence, and commitment. Not to mention, the best leaders are proactive - they never wait until the last minute to accomplish a task, and they look ahead at the long-range calendar to prevent the knee-jerk reactions that all Veterans have experienced upon at least a few occasions.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Apr 18 at 2016 7:38 AM

2016-04-18T07:38:58-04:00

I would start with the bible or religious text of your preference. Being a leader will challenge you and a firm foundation could only strengthen your leadership.
Any book that would strengthen your family or known personality flaws. Be brutally honest with yourself or ask your love ones if you are not sure about your flaws.
Regulations and manuals that relate to your specific job. Focus on being competent at your profession as it will enable you to lead example.
Pretty much every prominent leader has a recommended reading list and you can see what they recommend. I would also focus on material needed for pme attendance and civilian education.

Response by CPO Ronnie Townes made Apr 18 at 2016 10:19 AM

2016-04-18T10:19:18-04:00

Always remain teachable!

Response by Cpl Jim Hainen made Apr 18 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-04-18T10:56:32-04:00

Join the Corps. James Hainen Sgt. 1189639 USMC

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Apr 18 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-04-18T11:17:01-04:00

Always remember that you are a human being not a god. Also remember to listen others under your command because sometimes they can give a better insight to leadership. And finally remember that nobody's perfect.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Apr 18 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-04-18T11:22:55-04:00

The Bible, specifically The book of Proverbs. Then Back Track to the book of Exodus and read about Moses, Joshua and Caleb. Joshua and Caleb were the two Military leaders that stood out and brought back evidence that the land before them was as God had said it was, and they encouraged the people to take the land. The other 10 came back and disencouraged the people by telling them that there were giants in the land. And the Hebrews were like grasshoppers in comparison, so fear spread among the people so fast, that they wanted to stone Moses, Joshua and Caleb on the spot! In the end Joshua and Caleb lead the Hebrew army to victory. A good leader Inspires and leads with Confidence and Courage, a God Leader also has a solid belief in the Creator of the universe God Almighty, regardless of what is politically acceptable.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 18 at 2016 11:56 AM

2016-04-18T11:56:37-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I would suggest looking at the people that they will be, or are leading. The folks who know what is needed, and the best way to get the job done are those doing the job. Leader provides guidance, but should know when to let their people go to work. The best thing to study is not found in a manual. Manuals can give you the "book method" for getting a task accomplished. Those who have been performing that task for years know the most efficient way to get the job done. 99% of the time, the book method and the real world method do not mesh. So that is why I think that the best leaders to their people. I am not saying let them take advantage of you, I am saying give any suggestion an equal measure of merit.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-04-18T12:06:40-04:00

Get your hands on Tom Fanning's "Leadership Perspectives"

Response by LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD made Apr 18 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-04-18T13:02:54-04:00

The Fifth Discipline, author: Senge, Peter. It is a book ALL leaders should read.

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 18 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-04-18T13:09:50-04:00

You cannot get all the answers from books. But these were my favorites:
Small Unit Leadership: A Commonsense Approach by Dandridge Malone
The Deming Management Method by Mary Walton
Management By Walking Around by Colin Barrow
Taking Charge and Letting Go. by Bert A. Spector.
Aesop's Fables

And an oath my Dad (27 year Navy veteran of WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam) taught me to say to myself every morning formation. "I will not sacrifice your welfare on the altar of friendship, or low standards, but I promise, your welfare before mine."

Response by MAJ L. Nicholas Smith made Apr 18 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-04-18T14:22:48-04:00

I'm not sure if I have any insights regarding resources or training that a quick online search wouldn't locate but I can share insights.

Apply critical thinking and make it a habit. Learn to question yourself and examine your own/others bias/tendencies before taking action or passing judgment. Sometimes our own emotions can hamper our ability to see things as they are.

Take time to know your superiors, peers, and subordinates (most especially) and understand their abilities, limitations, and how you can make them successful both personally and professionally. If they succeed, you succeed. Their parents have entrusted you with their training, welfare, and development. Never forget that.

Lead from the front and set the example. If they're cold, you need to be seen embracing the same suck. They will always notice whether you are present or not when things were bad. Show them how something should be done and then demand nothing less.

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Apr 18 at 2016 8:30 PM

2016-04-18T20:30:31-04:00

Open your ears and listen to all of the people around you and take note of the issues discussed. It is fairly easy to discern gripers, malcontents and other people with little constructive messages but the people in the area have the best knowledge of the actual situation.

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Apr 19 at 2016 7:34 AM

2016-04-19T07:34:15-04:00

Find yourself a great leader an pick their best attributes. I come from a different generation but I think this is true no matter when you served. Also, realize your own faults and shortcomings, own up to them and try to fix them. I had what I feel were great supervisors, Ops Officers and Commanders, who let me know when I screwed up. They corrected me when needed and then we pressed on and got the mission done.

Nothing hurts a young troop more than constantly being reminded of what they did wrong, over and over. Now, that is not saying don't take disciplinary action when needed, but do it then press on and start building up your troops.

I also recommend you read books on some of the greatest leaders. One I highly recommend is The Patton Principles. Great insight into General George Patton written by a young Lieutenant who was with him through WWII.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Apr 19 at 2016 11:49 AM

2016-04-19T11:49:31-04:00

Written resources are your FM' and TM's. Know your job.

The second resource is more important than the first, and the first is of great importance.

This advice requires you to look at the leaders in your chain of command. You need to find a leader with only 3 traits:

1: They will, without a doubt, always ensure the mission is accomplished.
2. They have and maintain the respect of their soldiers.
3. They have and maintain the respect of their leaders.

These three traits all work together to ensure the success of the other.

So find that leader, and use them as a resource. They do not have to be a senior rank, they may be junior to you.

The military gives you every resource you need. However, as the old saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."

There has to be effort and desire on your part.

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Apr 19 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-04-19T16:24:34-04:00

I completed a certificate in Military Leadership through American Military University. It actually had some great readings like "Lincoln on Leadership" and "Gates of Fire" which had some interesting examples and insights into leadership. You can do the whole certificate online with your annual TA budget. And a being able to show you have formal education in military leadership will never be a bad thing when it comes time for promotion boards.