Posted on Jun 18, 2015
What is the role of a Squad Leader? Should they be the only ones to build a climate of dignity, respect and inclusion in units?
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Leadership
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The squad leader is the direct supervisor of both teams, to ensure discipline and welfare of the Soldier is being met at the most junior level. This is where the climate can be impacted, for the 8 - 9 Soldier squad. The challenge is to ensure the climate is consistent throughout the platoon, thus providing stability/focus/reliability throughout the company and higher.
We've all heard the phrase, every Soldier is a safety officer, words can be interchanged to share a similar focus....every Soldier is a ________ officer and insert the focal point of interest in the blanks. We are all responsible, at every level, to ensure we foster and project respect - and it is more important than people know to share and show respect for your Soldiers and subordinates. We've all seen the leaders that are out for themselves and could care less about their subordinates, but it you want your team to grow, if you really want them to grow, you have to challenge them, you have to respect them, you have to put them in a position so that they have the opportunity to flourish and grow. That does not mean to stand by, it means to constantly challenge, you have to make sure they get the direction needed, provide the nudge to get them moving in a certain direction, get them moving towards true development and true respect (for themselves and others). No matter if you are a team leader or a CSM, you can apply this method of leadership - those that accept the challenge will be forever changed and will openly and honestly foster the environment of dignity and respect, they will intervene when they should because it is the right thing to do, not have to refer to the CQ instructions to see when they should.
We've all heard the phrase, every Soldier is a safety officer, words can be interchanged to share a similar focus....every Soldier is a ________ officer and insert the focal point of interest in the blanks. We are all responsible, at every level, to ensure we foster and project respect - and it is more important than people know to share and show respect for your Soldiers and subordinates. We've all seen the leaders that are out for themselves and could care less about their subordinates, but it you want your team to grow, if you really want them to grow, you have to challenge them, you have to respect them, you have to put them in a position so that they have the opportunity to flourish and grow. That does not mean to stand by, it means to constantly challenge, you have to make sure they get the direction needed, provide the nudge to get them moving in a certain direction, get them moving towards true development and true respect (for themselves and others). No matter if you are a team leader or a CSM, you can apply this method of leadership - those that accept the challenge will be forever changed and will openly and honestly foster the environment of dignity and respect, they will intervene when they should because it is the right thing to do, not have to refer to the CQ instructions to see when they should.
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SFC (Join to see)
CSM Uhlig you always have a great way of articulating a point with precision and inspiration. This is exactly what leaders need to have in mind as they interact with their subordinates and lead from the front. I concur!
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The role of the SL is to facilitate the orders of the PL and PSG. All leaders need to build a climate of dignity, respect and inclusion in a PLT.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGM, I concur with your answer all leaders play an intricate role. Today was the conclusion of the 32 NCO led initiative of Not in My Squad Workshop with SMA Dailey that I participated in D.C. This was the topic we discussed as a small representation of the NCO Corps. Though in it's infant stages we packaged a number of solutions, observations and issues within our current culture. We were able to visit 29 Congressmembers at Capitol Hill this afternoon and express the level of importance in dissolving the negative attention the Army is receiving in certain areas. A few other points were emphasizing values, history of our military, and mentorship for our junior leaders (TL's) to shift this culture. Thank you for the feedback and sharing your perspective on this topic.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) I think the point of the 'Not in My Squad' initiative, is to get down to that working team (first line supervisor) level. As a Squad or Team leader, you have more "face time" with the mass of the formation... the Soldiers. The climate of dignity, respect and inclusion is emulated at all levels, but has the greatest impact at the small team level. This is, as we call it, where the rubber meets the road.
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He should not be the only one to build a great climate but as the first line supervisor and the one that spends the most time with the Soldiers the SL is definitely one of the most influencial leaders in building a strong cohesive unit based on diginity and respect.
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SFC (Join to see)
Very true. Everyone agrees that all leaders have a role in the big picture but the initial impact and interaction definitely begins with the SL. We must empower all SL's to work within their left and right limits in the dealings with Soldiers and empower them to provide the best mentorship and feedback throughout our daily culture. If we have no problem as an Army doing this with SL's in the battlefield then the parallel should be the same in Garrison!
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