What is your advice for being a great NCO who commands the respect of seniors, peers, and subordinates alike?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 23:44:58 -0400

My unit is promoting me to Sergeant this weekend, and I am moving to a new unit. What is your advice for being a great NCO who commands the respect of seniors, peers, and subordinates alike? Thanks in advance.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2019 11:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 23:45:58 -0400

What unit are you moving to? Message me

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 12:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:38:12 -0400

I like to look toward some of the greats for inspiration. Here are a few I live by:

“Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death." - Sun Tzu

"No one cares what you know until they know that you care." - Teddy Roosevelt

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 12:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:47:12 -0400

I’ve always found that respect comes as a result of hard work and proving yourself to the people around you that you are an effective leader. Moving to a new unit is tough but once you get to your team, meet them and get through your first couple of assignments with them, they’ll cozy up to you.

Another big thing is to just check up on your soldiers periodically. Being a great NCO means being readily available for your troops whenever they need you. Check up on their lives, how are things going for them at home. Once soldiers know you genuinely care about them, they’ll follow you.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 31 at 2019 1:04 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:04:18 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Always visibly and physically recon the route you intend to use when marching Soldiers!

I dint and marched the Guard Mount into a dead end alley! Lessons learned!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 6:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 06:08:23 -0400

In my experiences (and this also stems from me being both an infantry OSUT Drill Sergeant and an AIT instructor), being yourself is the golden key. Don’t pretend to be someone that you’re not. As leaders, we must understand the level of responsibilities that come with it and the expectations that will already be anticipated from you. As you leave some of your E4 mafia brethren behind and may have to lead some of them. You may want to be their friends but you and they must learn when to distinguish being a friend vs. being a leader.

There is a time and place for everything. There is nothing wrong with on the spot corrections if you see something wrong. Escalation of force, do not be quick to put something down on paper or lay down the law on someone if you can’t just talk out it first, understand the problem, and come to a solution first before you take it to another level.

Understand that you’re only human, you’re not a Superman. Again, those expectations of what you should already be doing as a leader will come forward. Prove to those above you that you have what it takes. Taking those initiatives where you see fit. Exercising authorities when the time permits.

But again, being yourself. Underneath that uniform, there is still a Jack Wozniak. There is a person, a personality, a character. He does not have to change much. But when the time and place arises and you need to step up, be the leader. Your subordinates and your leaders will see that.

Congratulations to you SGT Private RallyPoint Member and best of luck on your future endeavors in the Army.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 6:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 06:51:02 -0400

Always lead by example. Be with your soldiers and dont just sit at your desk while they are out pmcsing vehicles. Avoid having your soldiers doing things that you havent done before or would be unwilling to do yourself. Don't be a yes man, follow orders, achieve the missions, but dont volunteer your soldiers for dumb tasks. Your soldiers most treasured asset is their personal time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 7:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 07:30:53 -0400

As a fellow guardsman (NYARNG), the best advice I can give you is to be an NCO who strives to live by a standard, both in and out of uniform. A good place to begin is to know our Creed, and adhere to the promise we have to our seniors, peers, and subordinates. Since you are moving to another unit, I highly recommend you have your initial counselings ready for your new Soldiers. Your Soldiers need to know what your standards are, and what you expect of them. Establishing this will lead to your peers and, ultimately, your seniors to know you care for their welfare and development.

Also, check out the video below..good motivation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tT9GbfU_II

CSM Hill NCO Induction

produced by: MND-B 4th ID PAO Broadcast, & 128th MPAD Utah National Guard & 104th PAD Colorado National Guard POC is SFC Jeffrey Hilton Channel SteadfastLoya...

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 31 at 2019 9:42 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 09:42:34 -0400

In a word, integrity. Be honest in all you say and do. Keep a confidence and provide measured advice and council. Never, never ask or direct your subordinates to do something you would not do yourself. Finally, pray every day for Devine leadership in your life.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 9:55 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 09:55:28 -0400

Be present.
Be approachable.
Be right.
Listen to understand.
Create a leader book--use it, and keep it updated.
Be just as quick to counsel a Soldier for something positive, as for negative.
Understand it's never you against the Soldier, it's the Soldier against the standard%requirement/task.
If you screw it up and your Soldiers get caught short--own it with your Soldiers. It's okay to say you f'd it up.
When your Soldiers f-up make it a learning event, not a firing squad moment.
Get a TM for every item of equipment in your inventory--read them--use them while performing/supervising PMCS, insist your Soldiers do the same
Be a SME on every item of equipment in your inventory.
Crawl under, over, and around every item of equipment in your inventory. Have the operators do the same.
Verify all deficiencies, and track maintenance efforts. (Have the operators do the same).
Be the SME on all of your TTPs. (Have your Soldiers do the same).
Get a copy of squad/platoon/troop-company SOPs/TACSOPs, and walk through each step. (Have your Soldiers do the same).
Read every AR, DA Pam, and FM related to leadership, command, awards, uniforms, weapons, physical training, NCOERs, counseling, leave, promotions, and 19D related, then read them again.

Response by Cpl Al Dee made Oct 31 at 2019 10:42 AM

Cpl Al Dee — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 10:42:15 -0400

Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
Be technically and tactically proficient.
Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.
Make sound and timely decisions.
Set an example.
Know your people and look out for their welfare.
Keep your people informed.
Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
Train your people as a team.
Employ your team in accordance with its capabilities.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 31 at 2019 1:17 PM

SrA John Monette — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 13:17:20 -0400

respect is not commanded. it is earned. it is earned by being the soldier that you want your soldiers to be. lead by example. be willing to get in the toilet with your troops

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 31 at 2019 1:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 13:39:16 -0400

- Lay down on a couch and brainstorm all the leaderships traits that are important
- Think of examples of former leaders who were good and bad
- Keep you section informed and reduce last minute missions
- Use TLPs. Give maximum time for the soldiers to prepare
- Foster an atmosphere of professional and personal growth
- Cross train the soldiers if will benefit the section
- Love your soldiers
- Don't be afraid to give honest opinions.
- Have fun with the troops!

Response by SFC Greg Rhoads made Oct 31 at 2019 4:19 PM

SFC Greg Rhoads — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 16:19:27 -0400

Know your job and be willing to share your knowledge with others. Be respectful to all in the process. The biggest thing to remember is not to “command” respect but to earn it. I never called an officer by sir or mame until they have earned my respect. Just called them by their rank.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 6:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 18:19:45 -0400

Read the NCO Creed and spend some time to think about what it really means. Don't ask your Soldiers to do anything you're not willing to do - even better, do it right along with them. Find out about their families and find out how to connect them to existing resources. Visit Army Community Service, they do a *lot* more than you think they do. Advocate for your Soldiers - they need to know you'll take the hit when they screw up and that you'll speak up for them when they do right.

Above all, think back to the leadership you've dealt with in your career thus far. Are there any leaders you really admire? Why? What about those you don't admire - why?

You're not going to get everything right, but as long as your joes see that you're trying and you're learning from things gone wrong, they'll be there for you.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Oct 31 at 2019 9:49 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:49:49 -0400

Do te very best you can and give it that extra 10+ %....

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 1 at 2019 4:59 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:59:00 -0400

I sum it all up in one phrase: "Do the work."

This has many meanings...
If your team has a mission, that means YOU have a mission. You better be there with your troops getting it done.
Never let your Soldiers work harder than you. This includes PT.
You aren't perfect, you don't know everything. Consistently work to identify your deficiencies.
Then work to fix them.
Tackle adminstrative duties with the same dedication, efficiency and violence of action that you would apply to a tactical mission. Most of the time, Soldiers don't give a damn about your admin efforts.... until you don't put forth enough effort. That dedication to afmin will help you out in the long run, but more importantlyll help the Soldiers focus on the mission and be rewarded for their successes.
If your Soldier needs help, it is your problem. Period. It doesn't matter if they need help with a budget, a relationship, PT, hygiene, combat tasks, GT improvement, pay discrepancy, or an STD. You don't have to fix the problem, but you do have to carry the problem until it is fixed. Don't send them off to someone else (ACS, finance, Doc, etc.) to deal with the problem and forget about it. Follow up. Spot check. Make sure the problem is fixed and find a solution to ensure the problem doesn't repeat.
Finally, your role as a leader is two-way. You support your superiors by carrying out their missions and ideas as if they were your own. You support your subordinates by providing honest feedback and input to your superiors during mission planning and AARs/debriefings. If something won't work or is overtasking your troops, SAY SO. This is hard to do. Do it anyway.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Nov 1 at 2019 2:50 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 14:50:58 -0400

Be respectful of those senior and junior to you, be honest and do your job.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2019 4:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 16:30:09 -0400

You need to know your job. Non-Commissioned Officers are supposed to be subject matter experts and the soldiers under your charge will look at you as such. If you are weak in a particular area, study and strive to better yourself. Look at the Army values. What value is most important to you? How can you ensure that you incorporate the Army values into your daily activities. Think about past leaders that you had. Think about the great leaders that you’ve had that made a positive impact on you and how you can instill those same values into your Soldiers. Think about the poor leaders that you have had. Make sure that you do not fail your soldiers by doing the same as your bad leaders. Know the NCO creed. But I don’t mean just memorize it. Think about each and every line in the creed and what it means to you. Make sure you take care of your soldiers and they will take care of you. If you are taking care of your troops your senior leadership will notice. A squad or platoons performance is a direct reflection of their leadership, especially their first line leader. The same can be said of your peers. If you and your squad are squared away they will take notice. Congratulations on your promotion.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Nov 1 at 2019 5:24 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 17:24:47 -0400

Don't say Sir, bow down to him every day he is a rare commodity

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Nov 2 at 2019 4:13 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 16:13:22 -0400

Stay fit, get fitter.
Learn your trade, keep learning.
Listen to your superiors, adopt a successful leadership style that fit you.
Strive to be the best Sergeant in your unit and prepare yourself for the next grade up.
Learn to listen, not talk. When you do give orders, keep it simple.
Look STRAC, ASK AN OLD TIMER IF YOU DOE NOT KNOW WHAT IT MEANS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2019 9:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 09:32:18 -0500

Never forget that you work for your soldiers as much as they work for you.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2019 4:52 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 16:52:32 -0500

Lead by example... Show up on time, DO what you SAY you will do, be fair and impartial (up and down the chain).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2019 1:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 13:47:00 -0500

You have examples all around you as how to be a good NCO. As my old First Sergeant now retired sergeant major told me. Hey ale the good traits of everyone you meat and incorporate them into your own leadership ability, but all take the bad as what not to do. Being a good NCO is being fair, consistent, and impartial to everyone you come in contact with. Know your job, but more importantly know how to teach others to do your job. Never be to proud to be corrected or admit that you’re wrong. As hard as it is always welcome constructive criticism as a tool to improve. Congratulations and best of luck to you in your new role.

Response by PO3 William Carrien made Jan 25 at 2020 10:22 PM

PO3 William Carrien — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 22:22:31 -0500

I was always strict, according to military regulations, but fair when it came to dealing with the problems as they arise. Your men and women under you will toe the line, and if they do screw up, they know you will treat them fairly. The officers above you, will see that respect and commend you. And your fellow NCO'S, may actually follow your example.

Response by SSG Robert Jackson made Oct 3 at 2020 10:20 PM

SSG Robert Jackson — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 22:20:02 -0400

Always remember you can learn for others even those who you out rank.

Response by SGT Justin Jones made Oct 4 at 2020 3:41 AM

SGT Justin Jones — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 03:41:41 -0400

Don’t be afraid to stand up for your men. Be hard but fair and be an example of the standard you expect to keep.

Response by SSG Jeff Furgerson made Oct 4 at 2020 11:03 AM

SSG Jeff Furgerson — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 11:03:03 -0400

Wow there are some great answers on here, and in a way I'm glad you are going to a new unit, because it will give you a chance to be the leader you intend to be without some of your peers who already know you and have judgements already. I saw a great evolution over my career in regards to leadership, things that were acceptable when I came in were not allowed at the end of my career, that is both good and bad. I would look at the all the great answers you have here and use them they will help you , but one thing to keep in mind, praise publicly but correct privately, you will gain the respect of your troops and peers alike, answers like keeping an updated Leadership book and all the other things that were listed here is solid advice.

Response by MCPO Daniel Meffen made Sep 17 at 2021 6:20 PM

MCPO Daniel Meffen — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 18:20:21 -0400

Get out and be a leader, show them, you are willing and able to do what you are asking them to do. You lead by example, not "Do as I say, not what I do" One of the high lights of my 24 years, was getting in the bilges with several E-5 and below to over haul an ACW pump. They had never seen a MMCM (E-9) get in the bilges or actually work. From that day on , they never questioned me!!