Who was paramount in the development of who you are as a leader today ?

2015-05-01T01:18:06-04:00

Who's influence were you most driven by? What about them inspired you? When did you begin to have a self awareness of your ability and affect as a leader? What leader attribute is most important and why?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:36 AM

2015-05-01T01:36:40-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:38 AM

2015-05-01T01:38:48-04:00

I would have to say SFC Albert Adams. He was my PSG in B 2/36 inf at Fort Steward back in the mid 80’s. The guy was tough as nails with two tours in Vietnam, 101st then 173rd. He was a mean SOB that scared the shit out of everyone including some of his fellow Vietnam vet. He pushed me as a leader and forced me out of my comfort zone. Today because of his very gruff ways he may have been labelled a toxic leader. In some ways he may have been, but in other ways he was the kind of tough we seem to be lacking in today's Army.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:52 AM

2015-05-01T01:52:16-04:00

tiny tim!!!!

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made May 1 at 2015 2:05 AM

2015-05-01T02:05:38-04:00

The good? or the bad?

I have had a lot of good leaders, many of them I've taken some lessons from over the year.

MG Robert Ashley, quiet professionalism. Be involved with your Soldiers, ask them questions and listen.

GEN Loyd Austin, Maintain a sense of humor. It provides a link those around you. Also, remember people and personalize your experience with them.

LTG Franklin Hagenbeck, become friends with the people that control your image. It's about the image.

LTC Tisdale, there is never a situation so dire that you can't stop and take time to think it through so a bad situation doesn't become worse through a bad decision.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to at least observe, if not interact with some legendary individuals... Learn something from everyone you meet, even if you only meet them to understand that there are mistakes no man of morals or character should ever make... And those names will be kept in the back of my mind to protect the guilty...

I honestly wish I could feel that I've been able to honor the impressions those leaders have made on me over the years... But I think the most important is never let a bad decision keep you down. Learn your lesson, stand up, try again.

Response by SFC Charles S. made May 1 at 2015 3:15 AM

2015-05-01T03:15:31-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Looking back at all of the great leaders who were involved in the creation of SFC STALEY... I would have to say it would be my First Squad Leader. That I owe the greatest amount of credit. He started me down the path of leadership and mentored me into becoming an NCO Truly.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 1 at 2015 5:42 AM

2015-05-01T05:42:45-04:00

2 of my ROTC Instructors MAJ (ret) Harry Lawson and the late SGM Mark Larochelle They were a big influence on me during my formative years.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 7:57 AM

2015-05-01T07:57:17-04:00

My development into the Leader I am today was a long argues journey both personally and professionally. My very first mentor or first line leader had a very big role in my development, SFC Remo Soldaini. Throughout my time with him he never, not even once told me to go kick rocks or pound sand because he didn’t care or to go figure it out on my own. If there was a task or something to be accomplished he showed me step by step no matter how painful it was. He ensured I understood the methodology of the process so I could pass that knowledge on one day. These actions alone set the base stone for who I am today. The rest wrote itself over time through daily interactions with Soldier of all walks of life and their different leadership challenges they brought along with them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 8:03 AM

2015-05-01T08:03:54-04:00

Well, I have 3 leaders who stand out that I taken a piece from. Sgt Aaron Davis, who taught me you don't have to be a hard ass to get your point across, he's the speak soft but carry a big stick . Sgt Michael Maye, who taught me that my Mos is very important and that you can achieve some pretty outstanding things. Last but certainly not least SSG William Mathley, who just straight believed in me when I stopped. These 3 NCO helped me so much. When my number is called to lead troops, they gave me my foundation

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-05-01T09:32:32-04:00

There can be some gray area when it comes to firm versus demeaning. I went to basic way before stress cards and pt mats, and frankly, the in my face, treat me like I was ate up all the time, and hazing type comments didn't phase me; we weren't provided enough time to care. I believe during that phase it was a time of breaking wills to rebuild as they deemed appropriate. Beyond that and back at the unit, I believe the physical corrective training should still be liberally utilized and that the firm approach should remain. I do agree that this has become a softer kind of army and it shows, but I believe that doesn't have to be looked down upon as much as it is, I think maybe the disciplinary action should adjust as well, leaving an impact that creates change within, not simply wasting ones time with counseling statements that won't stick if you try to push something to the next level.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 1 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-05-01T10:13:22-04:00

It was my soldiers who inspired me. I expected hard work and training, but I always used down time to boost their morale. Two examples: We did CTT by a lake with a large BBQ grill, and grilled lunch for them. Every Thursday I grilled lunch for them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 10:22 AM

2015-05-01T10:22:26-04:00

There are too many to name I have learned and shaped my leadership style based off so many Soldiers good and bad that I could not name them all.