Posted on Jun 13, 2015
What are the defining characteristics of a truly outstanding officer?
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What defining qualities facilitate true greatness for an officer? What habits should be cultivated in order to achieve excellence throughout one's career? What does exemplary leadership look like? This question is deliberately broad, because any detail or anecdote would be incredibly helpful in my own professional development. Thanks so much in advance to any officers, warrant officers, NCOs, and junior enlisted who take the time to provide their valuable input!
Leadership
Leadership Development
Officer
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 23
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Quality Leaders need to "Know when to lead from the front and know when to lead from behind!” Set the example for others to follow and know when to allow your Junior Officers and Senior NCOs the ability to move the organization in the right direction without overshadowing their efforts. Never take credit for what your team plans, directs, and executes. You provide the Commander Guidance and Intent, and then let them take the ball and run with it. Always give credit to your team before yourself! You will be a successful Commander or leader when you build a competent team that can excel and grow with the success of the organization! Other qualities include being honest, as described above the ability to delegate, good communicator, a good sense of humor (don't be a grump), Confident in your decisions and position, Committed to excellence in the organization and personnel, PMA (Positive Mental Attitude), intuitive by nature, ability to inspire others, and be creative with solutions, ideas, and ways to improve the overall organization and it's assigned individuals!
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CPT (Join to see)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs Sir, thank you so much for your very thorough response! I will definitely strive to exemplify those traits throughout my career. I deeply appreciate your advice!
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CPT Dent Cermak
The main thing to remember is that it is NOT all about you. CSM Gene Mask put it best when he coined the phrase " Mission first, Troops always".
YOUR skills and abilities are very important, but your troops can make or break you. Keep an eye on them an d make sure that, if qualified, they get promoted on time. Ahead of schedule if they deserve it.
Hopefully you will have a PLT SGT that is on top of his game and knows his troops and their capabilities. Learn from him. You are given mission orders, relay them to him and turn him loose. Give praise when due, but know how to set them straight when praise is not due. Give guidance and encouragement freely.
I have actually seen OER's that stated "This Officer could not lead starving wolves to fresh meat". Lead with your style. AS the Col. above stated, a good sense of humor is worth its weight in gold. When things get really heavy, a little silliness will work wonders. I remember being in one intense training exercise. Everyone was getting really snippy and nerves were on edge. I was the new 2LT, so I was expected to be the dufuss. Always try to meet expectations. The Operations Officer was having a fit for a report that I had. I held up the report and said, "What's the Magic Word?". EVERYTHING stopped. I repeated my question and he said, with a sigh, "Please". The snickers began. I then pulled the report back and said, "Bark like a puppy." Two NCO's fell on the ground laughing. When the Ops Officer did so, everyone let loose. All had a good laugh and we were able to refocus and get on with the mission.
YOUR skills and abilities are very important, but your troops can make or break you. Keep an eye on them an d make sure that, if qualified, they get promoted on time. Ahead of schedule if they deserve it.
Hopefully you will have a PLT SGT that is on top of his game and knows his troops and their capabilities. Learn from him. You are given mission orders, relay them to him and turn him loose. Give praise when due, but know how to set them straight when praise is not due. Give guidance and encouragement freely.
I have actually seen OER's that stated "This Officer could not lead starving wolves to fresh meat". Lead with your style. AS the Col. above stated, a good sense of humor is worth its weight in gold. When things get really heavy, a little silliness will work wonders. I remember being in one intense training exercise. Everyone was getting really snippy and nerves were on edge. I was the new 2LT, so I was expected to be the dufuss. Always try to meet expectations. The Operations Officer was having a fit for a report that I had. I held up the report and said, "What's the Magic Word?". EVERYTHING stopped. I repeated my question and he said, with a sigh, "Please". The snickers began. I then pulled the report back and said, "Bark like a puppy." Two NCO's fell on the ground laughing. When the Ops Officer did so, everyone let loose. All had a good laugh and we were able to refocus and get on with the mission.
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Know yourself.
Know your trade (read and study assiduously)
Know your people (not just their names know ABOUT them)
Know your capabilities and limitations.
Listen carefully
Don't make snap decisions.
Don't be compromised professionally or morally.
Know your unit's mission and if you don't understand ...clarify.
Keep your senses about you when things are going wrong ...don't panic and never show fear.
Never ever, ever quit !
Don't take yourself too seriously.
My own personal motto "Never believe your own bullshit"
Stay on the tank!
Know your trade (read and study assiduously)
Know your people (not just their names know ABOUT them)
Know your capabilities and limitations.
Listen carefully
Don't make snap decisions.
Don't be compromised professionally or morally.
Know your unit's mission and if you don't understand ...clarify.
Keep your senses about you when things are going wrong ...don't panic and never show fear.
Never ever, ever quit !
Don't take yourself too seriously.
My own personal motto "Never believe your own bullshit"
Stay on the tank!
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC Bink Romanick
Sir, thank you so much for an outstanding checklist of habits to cultivate! This is excellent advice to keep in mind throughout my military career!
Sir, thank you so much for an outstanding checklist of habits to cultivate! This is excellent advice to keep in mind throughout my military career!
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