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Every Leader should have a Leaders book. The question is what do you use. The normal 3 ring binder, a smaller version of the 3 ring binder, a note book, using the flight crew check list book to hold your items, or using your phone with all the new Apps that are out there. I've use them all and had pros and cons with all of them. Looking for outside thoughts.
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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Leader's book apps are what work best for me. You can set reminders for counselings, NCOERS, Birthdays, Anniversary, etc. It is way more convenient. I also keep pdfs of all the publications that I may need to reference on the spot. Carrying around that fat binder with Army song lyrics, and NCO creed does nothing to help in the management of Soldiers. The only drawback to going digital is that you can't reference your phone in a classified environment. For that reason I carry the standard green army notebook with copies of ERBs pasted inside, it also helps to when I need to jot down some observances for counseling bullets.
Really it doesn't matter what you use, as long as it works for you. If a CSM requires you to carry around that heavy obsolete binder, then make one for the office. But if you want functionality I would go with an app.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
I use a combination as well, but the app by far is amazing as well as combining it with a calendar app for appt tracking, suspense dates for counselings and ncoers. I felt slightly dirtbagish for using an app and not having the massive binder, it's good to see other competent leaders embracing technology!
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I think really any layout will work, but one thing I do not agree with is unit-standard leaders books. I was pretty well chewed out at a previous unit because mine was not set up "to standard." However, much like we all have different leadership, and study styles, we probably have different methods we like to use to track our Soldiers. I think as long as we're tracking the critical information needed, there should be no unit standard - just encouragement to lead, know your Soldiers, and ensure you can pass that information on to your replacement.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
And that "standard" is generally a massive piece of labor intensive spreadsheets, pictures, anddiagrams that someone high up in the chain (looking at you, bored CSM's =o) )found on the internet and decided they really liked, useful or no..
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SFC (Join to see)
Honestly, if your counseling packet is in order most of the information that is in there should also be in your leaders book. A leaders book is more appropriate if you have more than one Soldier. It is really up to you as an NCO on how you manage your Soldiers.
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1LT (Join to see)
I have to agree with that. The NCO guidance for the leader's book is in FM 7-22.7 Appendix C and it clearly states that they're an individual tool.<br>I don't care of it's a tablet computer, a three ring binder, or wrinkled papers folded into a cargo pocket. If it's stupid and it works, it's not stupid.<br>
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Leader's Books are great, but.......... I still haven't found a format that works for ME. Trying to find the "Swiss Army Knife" Leader Book seems to be the Holy Grail of Army Leadership, but it always ends up being this CSM-mandated behemoth of powerpoint slides, assorted creeds, checklists nobody will ever use, fancy logos, Soldier's complete genome............. Every type whether the giant 3-ring binder or the smartphone app has it's pro's and con's. For me, the smartphone apps are a real security issue, and I stopped using them. They're pretty handy though!
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