What do think are the most important attributes of a successful leader?

2016-07-18T16:55:56-04:00

RP Members & Connections what are the most important attributes & how do you rate yourself in those areas?

"As a Leader, you must envision the future, passionately believe that you can make a difference, and inspire people to achieve more than more than they may ever have dreamed possible."

Dustin Beardslee Gary Eulenfeld Cpl Rick Rabenold GySgt Tony Pantoja CPO Lou Oliver TSgt Jeff Sukeforth PO3 Private RallyPoint Member MSG Robert Lee LCDR Private RallyPoint Member MSG Charles Turner CPL Chris Jacob PV2 Private RallyPoint Member SPC John Geary 1SG Leon Espe MSG Louis Alexander PVT Iven Clark Jr. SSG John Morgan PO2 Bronwen Taylor Shaffner SPC Celeste O

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 18 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-07-18T16:57:33-04:00

The courage to do what is right no matter the cost COL Mikel J. Burroughs is the most important.
Treating each superior, peer and subordinate with respect is number 2.
Leading by example in word and deed is third.
I would not rate myself. I would leave that to others more qualified to objectively rate me. :-)

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 4:58 PM

2016-07-18T16:58:50-04:00

I think I am a above average Role model who can inspire, knowing of course that I can always do better. I think I spend most of my time trying to enable teams vice individuals and am capable of achieving all of my employers goals. I think overall I am an above average manager, that gives a shit not only about the company, but also about my people.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Jul 18 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-07-18T17:08:27-04:00

COL Mikel Burroughs, it is far more important to inspire the people. There is always room for envisioning the future, but for people to change, they must be inspired to do it. Simply telling someone to take the proverbial hill will get pushback, but inspire the troops, and they will take hell as well!!!!!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 18 at 2016 5:09 PM

2016-07-18T17:09:30-04:00

Arrogance. Not hubris. Arrogance. It takes a heap of arrogance to stand up and say "Follow me" when bullets fill the air and pound the ground about you, and everyone else is expecting you to lead. Yep, that takes arrogance.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 18 at 2016 5:12 PM

2016-07-18T17:12:40-04:00

Sir, great question I like the Values In Action Survey to help with this answer below are my character strengths i rely on to be a leader
Fairness, equity, and justice -
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.
Your Second Strength
Leadership -
You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.
Kindness and generosity -
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.
Strength #4
Self-control and self-regulation -
You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.
Strength #5
Industry, diligence, and perseverance -
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.
Bravery and valor -
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.
Creativity, ingenuity, and originality -
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jul 18 at 2016 5:13 PM

2016-07-18T17:13:59-04:00

Have always been a team leader since high school and exceled in laying out goals or plans and getting everyone on the team to buy into them. Then monitor and manage the team to accomplish the goals or plans. Accept feedback to make changes and continue to meet all the objectives. Having a good personality and sense of humor also goes a long way when leading a team of your peers.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jul 18 at 2016 5:17 PM

2016-07-18T17:17:29-04:00

Well, as in many things it depends. It seems to me that there are three factors that play into the leadership style one selects: the capabilities of the leader, the nature of the employees, and the environment in which they operate. For example, a fire chief would use one style while in the station and another when fighting a fire. If I had to name one or two attributes that transcend all the scenarios I'd say judgement and integrity.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 5:57 PM

2016-07-18T17:57:41-04:00

Character, Presence, Intellect

Response by PO3 Steven Stinnett made Jul 18 at 2016 7:02 PM

2016-07-18T19:02:20-04:00

I believe all those Attributes you listed, however you must be CONSISTENT, in your every day interactions.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jul 18 at 2016 7:12 PM

2016-07-18T19:12:49-04:00

It's very humbling going from catalyst for change and conduit for action to nothing. Nothing.................... in my retirement.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jul 18 at 2016 7:19 PM

2016-07-18T19:19:22-04:00

Be confident would be one attribute I'd add COL Mikel J. Burroughs.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jul 18 at 2016 10:46 PM

2016-07-18T22:46:56-04:00

Not the ones displayed by our current "leader" in the Whitehouse COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I like leading by example and not being afraid to get your hands dirty. And remembering your lowest employee could be your biggest asset.

Response by Sgt Micah Fitzsimmons made Jul 19 at 2016 10:13 AM

2016-07-19T10:13:43-04:00

The most important quality of a leader is communication skills and integrity...
The ability to talk openly with your people in an adult conversation and try to understand their logic and understanding before acting on a situation.
The other, integrity, to be honest with your people. If your honest with them and, when nessassary defend them they will respect you more and work harder for you.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 4:36 PM

2016-07-19T16:36:47-04:00

Troop welfare should be one

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Jul 20 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-07-20T14:03:30-04:00

NCO's who become officers.Me I've had my chances,and I find myself lacking.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 23 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-07-23T10:12:58-04:00

Being able to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your troops and know how to work with those traits in order to complete the mission.
Make decisions and accepting the responsibility if it goes wrong as well as if it goes right.
Lead from the front - never ask your troops to do something you cannot, have not, or will not do yourself.
And above all else, BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.
I like LTC Stephen F. will not rate myself.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jul 23 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-07-23T10:56:41-04:00

I agree with list but you have to take your experience and show your troops that you have there backs and give the right directions on and off duty and both combat or not.Give them the leadership that you Know.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jul 23 at 2016 5:45 PM

2016-07-23T17:45:01-04:00

Do the right thing when no one is looking

Response by SGT Eric Flores made Jul 26 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-07-26T22:16:21-04:00

I can identify with two attributes confidence and integrity.

Response by LTC Sonya Friday made Jul 28 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-07-28T23:43:09-04:00

Here are my thoughts and truly my thoughts on attributes of a successful leader:

1-Good Listener
2-Effective Communicator
3-Spiritual
4-Integrity
5-Motivating

Response by SPC John Adams made Jul 30 at 2016 7:52 PM

2016-07-30T19:52:29-04:00

Experience, moral integrity, and willingness to lead by example are the key attributes of a good leader, in my opinion. Without those three things, you cannot be an effective leader, and your subordinates will simply "respect the rank and not the man".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 4:35 AM

2016-07-31T04:35:50-04:00

Role model is most important. I rate myself a 95 out of 100.
Enabler 90, inspirer 85 (although I try hardest here), and achiever 80.

Response by Sgt John Keogh made Oct 21 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-10-21T14:21:27-04:00

In civilian work I once worked as manager in multi-billion dollar company on manufacturing floor. At first it took time to earn my employees trust and respect. I acknowledged they were smarter and better than I working their machines and I needed their help. At this time period Empowerment was the new word. I embraced this with my team. I asked what they needed to do job, do job better and increase quality. They responded and I tried to get everything they needed. When I had to discipline an employee I started with how important they are. Brought it around to the problem discussing how we could work together to fix it. I wrapped it out with positive thinking they can overcome the problem and work even better. Never had a angry person leave my office. When I instructed my best operators to spend time with the worst, they worried they would be disciplined for not maintaining their levels. I told them I would accept their loss of quantity for helping the others. End result, my team had highest level of quality achieved, highest level of quantity achieved and at the lowest cost ever achieved. They were my team that I protected and enabled to do their jobs. Oh, we had fun along the way too which was never part of any manager they ever had before.

Response by SPC Tony Means made Oct 21 at 2016 8:18 PM

2016-10-21T20:18:30-04:00

Lead from the front! Role models are the greatest inspiration!

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Feb 10 at 2018 12:33 AM

2018-02-10T00:33:09-05:00

Strive for excellence and set the example!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 11 at 2018 9:47 AM

2018-02-11T09:47:25-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs: GOOD MORNING, MIKEL!
Mikel, I was given a card that read: "You are a living inspiration...and an inspiration on how to live."
Also, I saved one of my Facebook daughter's life twice.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Feb 11 at 2018 11:06 AM

2018-02-11T11:06:08-05:00

Listening

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Feb 11 at 2018 12:21 PM

2018-02-11T12:21:39-05:00

Good Morning COL. The following from The Army War College says it all.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 1:22 PM

2018-02-11T13:22:09-05:00

One who can reach into his military tool box and choose the right tool for the situation.

Response by SFC James Himes made Feb 11 at 2018 2:09 PM

2018-02-11T14:09:23-05:00

To insure your people are successful too!

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Feb 11 at 2018 2:46 PM

2018-02-11T14:46:05-05:00

One of the most important is “leading From the front!” A certain CiC always was ina cheerleading mode.. he pushed people out and he led from the rear.. one that impressed me was the LtCol in “We were young...” he was first off the chopper and the last to get back on after all his wounded and dead were taken care of.. always looking out for them.. Westmoreland wanted him back for a debrief.. he told them he had a war to fight .. those who seen the movie/ read the book know that... That’s how I was at work in the Dining Hall or wherever i worked.. I and my 1st Cook went around making sure e’thing was put away, marked correctly, cleaned up, shined up. I took the relief Sgt around and showed him.. whether he wanted to or not.. I didn’t pull no punches and I didn’t want them pulled on me.. S’times an the walk around I catch s’thing might have been overlooked.. we can fix it right then... No “you didn’t clean the back of the kettle....”... that is one of the spots I make sure of and up in the hoods.. get the drain pans changed out/ cleaned.. filters done out..steam cleaned.. We had big G.I. Party about ever week.. Facility NCOIC was gone 2 weeks and came back and wanted a G.I. Cleaning top to bottom.. it didn’t matter we’d just done it.. we did it again.. it didn’t take long.. with me he knew he could leave and I took care of it..
S’times he was right in there poking around.. After we had done it, he said “why didn’t you tell me?” It was easier to just do it than say a bunch words you didn’t want to hear ... .. it wouldn’t take long to go over it.. and it got done..
I knew what the other shift was like.. I got asked to cover it.. so I did that and my first Cook was Shift leader and I went and covered the other crew.. It was 1900 and the other crew started slipping out.. First Cook caught them.. “SSGT Herrst told us there’d be some extra work tonight.. and I
Don’t want to be stuck here with just a few of us doing it ! So get back in here before I start writing!” He said.. I hated losing him to them, but the needed a good 1st Cook on that Crew.. My 2d Cook was almost as good and he got better as we went along.. I rotated the Airmen on my crew consistently.. that’s how I learned, that’s how they’d learn. I do that on slow days .. rotate them around.. there were 6 on my crew.. somebody was always off. . I didn’t like giving all my secrets out.. I gave them my prize 1st Cook.. could I have given my 2d Cook? Sure.. I think he’d of made a good 1st.. in fact I did that. He became mine, I though the was still rough around the edges..
I asked my old 1st why didn’t he rotate .. he said that other leader has people where he wants them ... “on the day you’re leader rotate them, it’s your shift that day.”. no Sarge it’s still his crew., you found that out when they whined how you switched them around.. (the 1st I gave them was off that day also. When their leader was on his 2 day, the 1st was on his 1st day off So I had his 2d Cook as 1st Cook that day.. When people get stuck doing the same routine and are used to it..
every day they work.. change it and stuff hits the fan .. like I said any of the Airmen on the shift I led could do the other guy’s job.. the newest 1striped Airman on my shift could do 1st Cook job if he had to.. it’d be rough but he could do it.. Lead from the front to start and then guide them along and step aside but be there for them when needed.. (think of footprints in the sand.. that’s all I need to say..).

Response by CW3 Jeff Held made Feb 11 at 2018 3:39 PM

2018-02-11T15:39:53-05:00

Sincerety, honesty, striving for technical and tactical competence, humility, hubris, respect, compassion, and tons of hard work.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Feb 11 at 2018 5:14 PM

2018-02-11T17:14:23-05:00

Listen. Think. Repeat.

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Feb 11 at 2018 5:34 PM

2018-02-11T17:34:00-05:00

Before you can become a leader of others you have to reach inside and lead yourself.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Feb 11 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-02-11T17:36:07-05:00

Good afternoon, Colonel. Hope you have had an enjoyable day today.
Your question is an important one and I suppose that depending upon who choses to answer, you will get everything from the 'school book' answer to some more 'refined' and 'tempered' by our varied and sundry experiences.
About 35 years ago the Army introduced what I thought at the time was an excellent frame work for the modern leader called: "What Every Leader Must Be, Know and Do"
It examined the fitness of the leader in terms of Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual and Technical Fitness and how the leader must demonstrate their understanding and commitment to them through their performance.
The details of each aspect were exhaustively analyzed and elaborated upon creating a document about 3" thick and requiring about 3 days to properly teach.
I felt this was the best examination and presentation of leadership ever produced and if anyone were truly able to embrace each element, mold themselves to the ideals and teach themselves to exercise those traits in such a way that they created a perfect matrix of leader performance attributes they would reflect the consummate leader.
Frankly, each leader will likely embrace those aspects they've found best match their personality and at the same time, provide the most leverage in the greatest number of situations and circumstances.
Yet, I don't think that any leader can minimize let alone neglect working on any of these traits expressed in "Be, Know, Do", for leadership is a life long learning experience for that which worked in terms of technique with my generation do not work with Millennials - I know this because I've been working with them for nearly ten years and have had to change / modify my approaches without compromising my commitment to the basic tenants of sound leadership as expressed in the five aspects illuminated in "Be, Know, Do"

I never try to rate myself as I'm sure my ratings would be skewed in my favor - that is human nature for a type 'A' personality.

Thanks for posting this and the others every day - I really enjoy them.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Feb 12 at 2018 12:11 AM

2018-02-12T00:11:56-05:00

1) Integrity first and foremost. Are you honest and upright in all your dealings, do you treat others as you want to be treated? Do you observe the great commandment?

"And you shall love the Lord your God [a]out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment.The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these"

The rest flow from that and number two, though to a degree that also flows from here.
2) Common sense/good judgement
3) Compassion
4) Respect
5) Example

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Feb 12 at 2018 8:43 AM

2018-02-12T08:43:08-05:00

A great leader has to set the example for his followers and be the kind of person others want to follow. A great test of this is how many people follow you that you have a great influence on but are not in your chain of command?

Response by SSG William Wall made Feb 12 at 2018 2:28 PM

2018-02-12T14:28:38-05:00

Lots of great responses. Of course, it's only the great leaders who take the time to respond to something like this (I'll recuse myself on this).

In 9 years, 11 months and 15 days, I had all sorts of "leaders," some great (a lot, actually), some good, and one or two who made me think, "So this is what my Viet Nam vet 'elders' must have had in mind when they talked about 'fragging'."

Trustworthy - Could I trust them to do the technically correct and ethical thing?
Loyal - Did they stand up for me when I was wrong, but corrected me in private?
Helpful - Did they provide and inspire confidence?
Friendly/Courteous/Kind - Substitute mutual respect.
Obedient - Could they follow orders from their superiors, as well as issue their own? Did they ride for the brand, or their own glory?
Cheerful - "Don't sweat the small stuff, because everything is small." And when it wasn't - I could never see them sweat.
Thrifty - The supplies you waste today, are the supplies you might need tomorrow.
Brave - As others have said, "Follow me!"
Clean - Can I get a Mulligan on this one?
Reverent - Submitting to a higher power, humility overcoming hubris.

Smells a lot like Boy Scouts, but that's were I first learned where true leaders were found.

Response by CPO Charles Helms made Feb 12 at 2018 2:37 PM

2018-02-12T14:37:34-05:00

The 2 things my father reminded of what makes a good leader! 1. Never forget where you came from! 2. Never have your troops do something you would not do yourself! 3. My own thought is earn their respect as they earn yours!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 3:06 PM

2018-02-12T15:06:09-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I would say empathy. They need to know what their Soldiers are going through and respect that and use that to help them best utilize the assets that they have around them. We all have different things that motivate us and to be able to understand that and use that will make the organization even better.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Feb 12 at 2018 3:32 PM

2018-02-12T15:32:49-05:00

Honesty and Integrity, with honesty and integrity most other things fall into line.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Feb 12 at 2018 4:00 PM

2018-02-12T16:00:42-05:00

Adding to LTC Stephen Ford's comment:
Observe and listen; be aware of current environment.
Be an educator; pass your knowledge to others.
Adaptability.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 4:05 PM

2018-02-12T16:05:28-05:00

Ah, I just can't help it. What makes a good leader?

A few good followers can really help.

Response by Mara Hedin made Feb 12 at 2018 4:06 PM

2018-02-12T16:06:53-05:00

There are so many answers to this, but I think one of the best attributes in a leader is someone who actually follows through on things they say will happen. It gains trust and credibility and it makes others respect you that much more!

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 12 at 2018 4:35 PM

2018-02-12T16:35:08-05:00

One of my pet peeves in leadership COL Mikel J. Burroughs is leading from the front and by example having great charechter and able to meet at eye level and not always looking down on your cohorts

Response by SFC Kevin Turner made Feb 12 at 2018 4:43 PM

2018-02-12T16:43:30-05:00

Inspiring your peers or subordinates to be better tomorrow than they were today. guide they along the path of success in their career and mentor them always. And always be consistent in what you say and do.

Response by CW5 John M. made Feb 12 at 2018 5:02 PM

2018-02-12T17:02:48-05:00

Develop a practice of "looking outside the box" (innovation), cultivate a habit of doing what is right without expectations of reward or recognition (personal satisfaction), praise, credit, and reward others for their efforts (teamwork), and leave a clear set of footprints for others to follow (example/legacy).

Response by Col Robert Wallace made Feb 12 at 2018 5:29 PM

2018-02-12T17:29:22-05:00

Hello Col. Burroghs and all RP members. "The most important attributes" of a leader? Everyone has his/her own opinions and these are mine (in no particular order): Knowledge: must know all the information possible about the mission; Trust: involve your NCO's in planning stages; Decisiveness: after assimilating all information, state the plan for the mission; Respect: give subordinates respect for knowing/doing their job; Negativity: unless a suggestion absolutely will not work, don't be hasty in vetoing it; Familiarity: get to know those serving under you as a person and not just another PVC, A/2C, Sgt, etc; Confidence: when assigning tasks to subordinates, let them do their job without interference unless it becomes absolutely necessary.
As for rating myself, I agree with LTC Stephen F. - I would not do it but leave it to others who would be objective in their rating.

Response by SPC Joel Quey made Feb 12 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-02-12T17:36:12-05:00

I'm going to cheat and say the most important thing is a desire to become a better person (which basically means to improve in all areas of life).

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Feb 12 at 2018 6:10 PM

2018-02-12T18:10:51-05:00

Giving your subordinate leaders the confidence to develope their leadership traits. Being ever vigilant to their shortcomings is the mark of a good mentor. It is Important to observe, listen to, and do a self evaluation of superiors. Noting their positives and negatives go a long way to you being a LEADER. All start as a Private! Followers for the most part are weeded out in 3 years. Each 3 year cycle the cream of the crop are advanced on and the followers sent home. Save every counseling and efficiency report and review them often. Then reflect on them, What have I learned. Mentoring: “This We Will Defend”

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Feb 12 at 2018 6:58 PM

2018-02-12T18:58:33-05:00

I think that I will say listening, I believe that people who talk over when you are talking are not going to listen to anything you have to say. So I look for a clock and say thank I have a meeting to go to. I know that I am liveing by omission.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Feb 12 at 2018 7:12 PM

2018-02-12T19:12:05-05:00

Passion, integrity, perseverance, persistency, motivation.

Response by PO2 Bronwen Taylor Shaffner made Feb 12 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-02-12T22:07:48-05:00

I think one of the most important things in leadership is listening and learning from those under you. You cannot expect good performance without understanding your employees, what motivates them, and drives them to do their best. You also need to listen to what their challenges are. The best improvements come from efficient feedback from employees with action from their leaders. Use your feedback. Listening is key in all aspects. More can be done with listening than with talking. Actions from leaders speak louder than words.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Feb 13 at 2018 1:02 AM

2018-02-13T01:02:00-05:00

Melding the personalities of your subordinates into a cohesiveness that allows the platoon to function. As a Medic during the cold war period, medics were at times, in my experience, the most overlooked and unsupported element in the Battalion; therefore it was my duty to blend each soldier's individual traits with their partner so they could function as a team without becoming insubordinate to the commend individuals when the unit deployed

Response by CSM Bruce Trego made Feb 13 at 2018 9:59 AM

2018-02-13T09:59:15-05:00

Leadership
Lead by example. (Something I admit I was not always the best at.)
Train those around you to become experts in their MOS and teach them to train their subordinates.
Do what is right, no matter what the cost. Find a way.

Response by MSgt Billy Zuber made Feb 13 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-02-13T11:39:19-05:00

"Great leaders create more leaders." Author unknown

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 13 at 2018 11:41 AM

2018-02-13T11:41:15-05:00

Sir, having read all the "comments" before mine, I humbly respond as follows:

First and Foremost a Good Leader must have and display the ability to FOLLOW! Good Leaders:
Lead from the Front
Lead by Example
Put their Duty ahead of themself
Separate What is Leadership from what is Personal Preference
Know one can Always Improve (or Always Try to Improve)
Lead Fairly and Justly
(and when they make mistakes as ALL DO) CORRECT THEM ASAP
Admit failure and USE it as a Motivator (LEAD FROM THE FRONT)
Realize the worth of their Subordinates and KNOW with out them there is not
NEED TO LEAD BUT INCREASE RESPONSIBILITY TO FOLLOW!
Utilize all the Tools available to them to LEAD WITH HONOR, INTEGRITY,
COURAGE, CONVICTION, UNITY, ESPRIT DE CORPS AND HUMILITY!

Again, I was never a Commissioned Officer, I was a Non Com "Soldier" that NEVER felt he was doing ALL HE SHOULD BE DOING TO LEAD those he was Honored with the Duty to do so with. I felt it was more my Duty to Correct or Inform my Superior of my mistakes and errors than to ever mention that "I Did something" .. I would rather Recognize my Soldiers. They ALWAYS MADE ME LOOK FAR FAR BETTER THAN I FELT I DESERVED.

Again, My Opinion, Sir. We all know about them! ;)

~ole Sarge~

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Feb 13 at 2018 11:54 AM

2018-02-13T11:54:41-05:00

The ability to lead in effective and productive manner, Accompanied by the ability to relate and make your troops feel valued

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 11:36 AM

2018-02-14T11:36:34-05:00

I believe all leadership stems from the ability to connect with people. Being a people person and understanding what drives people and human behavior enable you to better accomlpish any mission. Understanding your assets and their weaknesses, wants, desires, and fears is a huge force multiplier.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Feb 14 at 2018 9:16 PM

2018-02-14T21:16:07-05:00

Doing the right thing by him/her peers.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 10:27 PM

2018-02-14T22:27:17-05:00

Loyalty:
To those below you first, then your team and then the unit. Loyalty runs downhill. and respect runs uphill because it is earned. You still need to follow orders from those above you but not out of loyalty. You do so because you swore an oath to the Constitution. Not to be loyal to a superior. (Respect and loyalty are different. Respect can be both for the rank and the person. Loyalty is only to a person)

Optimism:
When everything is going to hell in a hand basket, be the one smiling. The answer to tough decisions are best developed by an open and positive mind. Critical thinking cant happen if your pissed off all the time.

Vigilance:
Always be on the look out for danger, physical and mental for yourself, your family and your team. That means choke points for a possible ambush, suicide for that one young troop having issues.

Empathy:
Unlike sympathy, the ability to imagine oneself in the situation of another. A good leader can still sympathize in in certain situations. but the ability to empathize when necessary is key. Doing so makes critical decision making possible. Sympathy does not.

So there it is L.O.V.E. (Loyalty Optimism Vigilance and Empathy) Good leaders have an abundance of LOVE.

Love for yourself, your family, your team and love for our Country. Without that you just in it for yourself.

You cannot lead people without LOVE.

Just my opinion. I made this up a several years ago after coming to terms with some regretful decisions I made. I had to find some thing to remind me to keep things in real perspective. So I came up with this. Hope it helps.

Some of my troops would call this a classic Bo-ism. I'm cool with that.

MSG Bo

Response by CPL Chris Jacob made Feb 16 at 2018 12:12 AM

2018-02-16T00:12:17-05:00

I have to agree with LTC Parker in that integrity is the most important attribute of a leader. That would also go with LTC Ford’s ‘do what is right no matter what’. If the troops/employees can believe what you say and know you will do the right thing, even when it goes against them, they will respect the leader. And that is step one. With respect from below, a leader can do...whatever is needed...

Response by Capt Ray S. O. made Feb 16 at 2018 1:36 AM

2018-02-16T01:36:48-05:00

Lead from the front - -

Response by CPL Luis Whetstine made Feb 26 at 2018 1:14 AM

2018-02-26T01:14:31-05:00

I would have to say...1. Respect. 2. Honor. 3. Inspiration. 4. Integrity.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Feb 27 at 2018 5:07 PM

2018-02-27T17:07:30-05:00

Transparency, truthfulness with your assigned personnel..

Response by 1SG Bob Brown made Mar 9 at 2018 6:29 AM

2018-03-09T06:29:20-05:00

Believe it or not, and you'll never see it in any leadership manual, but the most important leadership trait, in my mind . . .
is love. You gotta love your troops enough to train them hard and make them sweat. Enough to make them hate you because you're hard on them. Enough to protect their lives. But even worse, you have to love them enough to sacrifice them sometimes. It Ain't Easy, but sometimes, it's necessary. Freedom isn't cheap and it certainly isn't free.

Response by Henning Heinemann made Mar 10 at 2018 4:16 PM

2018-03-10T16:16:57-05:00

Compassion. Only through compassion can you understand the fears and reservations of your charges, and addressing those issues is paramount to getting them to follow of their own free will; and that is what a good leader accomplishes, a desire to follow.

Response by MAJ Seth Goldstein made Apr 2 at 2018 11:34 AM

2018-04-02T11:34:22-04:00

I always heard a lot of lead by example and Army Values but observed very few live by them. It would be a good start.

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Apr 16 at 2018 5:26 PM

2018-04-16T17:26:04-04:00

Confidence and the ability to make the tough decisions. You need to have the courage to tell your superiors when they are wrong and be ready with a correct solution to offer them. You must care for those who are under your leadership and give them the same freedom to advise you when you may are wrong. You must give your crew room to grow and promote and encourage their advancement.

Response by CPO Jason Kugel made Apr 21 at 2018 5:27 AM

2018-04-21T05:27:44-04:00

A good leader is also a good follower. Communicate up and down your chain of command/ organizational structure. Maintain integrity. Do what you say you will do; whether it's reward, punishment or just assigning work. Do not be that leader who takes the superstars under his wing and lets the average or below average folks fall by the wayside. Push your superstars; give them authority to do whatever you have them do. While they take care of business, help out your people who actually need your help. Don't be afraid to explain yourself once in a while and clue them in on the big picture. Sometimes giving them your insight is going to help them see how what they're doing fits in to the greater plan. Above all else: Work for your people as hard as you expect them to work for you. Take care of them professionally- make sure they have the tools, the training and the authority they need. Take care of them personally. Know your people- are they married, are they having financial trouble? If they know you have their backs, they can hate you but they'll walk through fire for you. As for assessing myself, I know I probably could and should have been more of a hardass. I just remembered how bad it was being a junior sailor who was motivated and smart, and having people hold you back because you were a threat. Or maybe they "thought you was too big fer yer britches". Maybe when you corrected someone, even if it was out of the sight of your peers and their subordinates, they took it personally. Anyway- I often caught myself goofing off with my people or not reading them the riot act when I should have. I think I worried about being liked instead of respected towards the end of my career. I retired after I just couldn't sell it anymore. They know when you're faking it and on the ROAD program, and that was not gonna be me.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Apr 28 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-04-28T21:25:53-04:00

Patience, Trustworthy/honor, not asking someone to do something you will not do yourself, willing to jump in and get your hands dirty right along side the others, and humility.